61: The Review System We Wish Airbnb Had with Wendy Doris
This week on Tribe Builders, I’m joined by Arizona-based STR host and co-host Wendy Doris.
We talk about how isolating hosting can feel, and why surrounding yourself with other hosts creates unexpected support and community. We imagine what a better Airbnb review system might look like—one that actually reflects what matters to hosts and guests.
60: From Stuck to Started: Small Goals, Big Momentum
In this episode of Tribe Builders, we’re tackling one of the biggest things that holds people back: fear. Fear of showing up. Fear of being judged. Fear of not having all the answers. I unpack real conversations with business owners who hesitate to share what they do online—because what if someone questions them?
59: All Hustle, No Quit: Building STR Launch Teams One Market at a Time with Kim Fitzpatrick
In this episode, I chat with Kim Fitzpatrick, a powerhouse in the short-term rental (STR) setup space. She shares her journey and insights from traveling across the U.S. setting up STRs—and building local teams wherever she lands.
58: Lost, Tired, and Leading Anyway
In this raw and honest solo episode, I share what it feels like to be the one calling the shots—but feeling completely lost. I talk about the weight of being the leader, the decider, the one who is “supposed to” have it all together, even when clarity is nowhere in sight. I even considered selling everything and starting over in a ski town—because sometimes, the dream feels too heavy to carry.
57: Friendship in the Age of Polarization
This episode is different. No teaching, no tactics—just me, talking through something I’ve been sitting with.
56: What Happens When You Finally Find Your People? with Lindsay Arko
This week, we sit down with the unstoppable Lindsay Arko — a powerhouse wholesaler, house flipper, and real estate investor who has turned her talent for sales into a thriving training business. Lindsay is a numbers-driven entrepreneur with a serious knack for accountability and a strong belief in the power of community.
55: Teacher to Real Estate Titan: Amanda Howell’s Path to Real Freedom
Former teacher turned powerhouse investor, Amanda Howell, shares how she built a life of freedom one deal at a time. After 20+ years in the classroom, Amanda transformed her reality by building a network, building a rental portfolio, launching and selling two real estate businesses, and intentionally designing a life she loves.
54: Build the Room: Women, Development, and the Power of Creating Your Own Space with Claire VanderEyk
WEEEEOOO WEEEOOO Good episode dropping... I sat down with Claire VanderEyk — a Minnesota-based real estate developer who walked away from corporate life to carve out her own path in a male-dominated industry. Claire shares the origin story behind her bold leap into development, the creation of a Women in Real Estate Development retreat, and how she’s cultivating a powerful referral-based ecosystem of curious, capable women.
53: Unexpected Connections: How Chance Meetings Turn Into Life-Changing Opportunities
In this special episode of Tribe Builders, we’re taking a look back at three powerful stories of unexpected connections that changed everything. From a chance meeting in a bank line that led to a long-term business partnership, to seeing someone working in the coffee shop that sparked an idea for a mentor relationship, to one man's dedication to adding value that ended with him being gifted a portion of an apartment building—these moments remind us that opportunity often hides in plain sight.
52: Get Out of Your Own Way: Partnership Lessons & Life Strategy with Mark Dalessandro
We’re celebrating one full year of the TRIBE BUILDERS podcast with a guest who’s part of my personal board of directors—Mark Dalessandro. Mark is the kind of person you call when you need a clear, honest sounding board. In this episode, we dive into the power of chosen family, building strong partnerships, and the importance of getting out of your own way.
51: Talking Shop: Finding Your People and Owning Your Growth Journey with Tato Corcoran
This week on Tribe Builders we’re hanging out with Tato Corcoran — a real estate investor from Milwaukee who decided to buy a "boring business" a couple of years ago.
Tato shares what it was like jumping into a whole new world: learning how the product was made, hiring a team, figuring out cash flow, and all the messy and amazing parts of owning a business. We get into how she found the business through direct mail, why having self-confidence matters so much, and the importance of finding people to talk business with — even if they’re not in the same industry.
50: What Happens When You Stop Chasing the Wrong Goals? with Andrew Devlin
This week on the Tribe Builders podcast, we’re bringing you a powerhouse conversation with Andrew Devlin—elite business and mindset coach, master of visualization, and expert at helping entrepreneurs unlock their next level.
Andrew brings a fresh, honest perspective on defining success on your own terms—and living true to it. We dive deep into why it's critical to stop doing work that's your kryptonite and instead build your life and business around your superpowers.
49: Real Estate the Adrian Way: Community, Curiosity & a Bold Yellow Uniform
This Week on Tribe Builders: Adrian Smude—The Guy in Yellow
I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Adrian Smude for this week's episode of Tribe Builders, and let me tell you—this guy is the epitome of having a vibe. Even the way I first heard about him was unforgettable… it involved a snowmobile and a yellow Speedo. Yes, really. And once I got him on the phone? The vibe continued.
Adrian has carved out a niche in real estate that I didn’t even know existed. He’s spent the last 22+ years in the game, building deep relationships and leaning on those connections to navigate the ever-evolving real estate landscape. He’s built a name for himself as “the guy in yellow”—and I mean that literally. He only wears yellow when he leaves the house. Steve Jobs had his black turtleneck… Adrian’s got a full-on sunshine uniform.
48: Reps & Relationships, Building Community That Lifts You Up
In this episode, Tanya Rooney shares her insights on the importance of community and connections in both personal and professional realms. She discusses her experiences with CrossFit, emphasizing the supportive nature of the community, and shares a personal story about overcoming challenges in real estate through networking. Tanya also highlights the significance of daily support groups and encourages listeners to cultivate relationships that can provide encouragement and assistance in their endeavors.
47: Public Relations Meets Community Building: Bridget Sicsko’s Secrets to Showing Up
In this episode of Tribe Builders, Tanya chats with Bridget Sicsko about the power of building real connections and how public relations plays a key role in that process. They dive into the difference between PR and social media, and how both fit into the larger marketing ecosystem. Bridget explains why being consistent with how you show up—whether on social media, your website, or in person—helps build trust and strengthen your tribe.
46: Masterminds: The Secret Sauce to Business Growth with Mike Simmons
In this conversation, Tanya Rooney and Mike Simmons discuss the transformative power of mentorship and masterminds in the real estate industry. Mike shares his journey from flipping houses to wholesaling, emphasizing the importance of being part of a mastermind group that helped him scale his business significantly. They explore the mindset required for investment, the value of accountability within a community, and the necessity of taking action to achieve success. The discussion highlights how surrounding oneself with high achievers can propel personal and professional growth.
45: Why Your Family Isn’t Your Business Sounding Board (and That’s Okay) with Tanya Rooney
In this episode, Tanya Rooney dives into the emotional challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to balance their business and personal relationships. She explains why it's crucial to have business friends and not rely on family and friends for business advice or support. Tanya highlights the importance of forming an accountability group or peer network to share wins, navigate setbacks, and stay motivated. She reminds listeners that it’s not their family’s job to understand their business—it’s their job to build something meaningful and follow their dreams. This episode is a powerful reminder to protect personal relationships while building a strong business support system.
44: Direct Bookings, Marketing, and the Power of Connection with Gil Chan
In this episode of TRIBE BUILDERS, Tanya Rooney sits down with Gil from CraftedStays to unpack his journey from a W2 job to thriving as an entrepreneur in the short-term rental industry. They dive into the challenges of launching a direct booking platform and why treating short-term rentals like a business is key to success. Gil shares valuable marketing strategies and insights on how engaging with guests and creating memorable experiences can set hosts apart.
43: From the Classroom to the Campfire: Lessons from a Nomadic Entrepreneur, Travis Sherry
In this episode of Tribe Builders, Tanya Rooney sits down with Travis Sherry to explore his journey from traditional work to entrepreneurship and the pursuit of freedom in time, finances, and location. Travis shares how he transitioned from teaching to building multiple businesses since 2012, ultimately creating an adult summer camp designed to bring together like-minded individuals seeking adventure, learning, and connection.
42: Ditch the Banks: Private Money & Networking Secrets with Mike Hicks
In this episode of Tribe Builders, Tanya Rooney sits down with real estate investor Mike Hicks to discuss the power of private money and strategic networking. Mike shares how bypassing traditional banks and leveraging private lenders can accelerate real estate success. He emphasizes the importance of getting in the right rooms—whether at local REIAs or through every day connections—to build relationships that lead to opportunities of all sorts. Through compelling stories and practical insights, Mike reveals how telling your story, asking the right questions, and rethinking the true cost of a 9-to-5 job can transform your real estate journey.