Episodes

In this episode of Own the Exit , Aaron and Caleb sit down with Andrew Amann, a trailblazing entrepreneur and AI expert, to explore the inevitable future of business: artificial intelligence. Andrew shares his journey from a military contracting role to founding an innovative AI product studio. He reveals hard-earned lessons about building scalable systems, integrating AI into businesses, and how companies that ignore AI will soon be obsolete. Listeners will gain valuable insights into practical...

In this episode, Aaron Leatherdale discusses the differences between do-it-yourself real estate investing and professional real estate investing, particularly focusing on real estate syndications. He emphasizes the importance of time management for busy entrepreneurs and how group investing can provide similar returns with less hassle. Aaron shares personal experiences and insights on the benefits and drawbacks of both investing methods, ultimately advocating for group investing as a more effici...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron explore the transformative investment opportunities emerging under the Trump administration's second term. With corporate tax cuts, infrastructure development, and energy deregulation at the forefront, they analyze how these policies could shape alternative investment strategies in 2025. Dive deep into the "Alternative Investment Trinity" of multifamily real estate, energy, and private debt. Learn how savvy entrepreneurs are capitalizing on these ...

In this episode of Own the Exit , hosts Aaron and Caleb sit down with fractional COO Joshua Monge to uncover the secrets behind building scalable, efficient businesses. Joshua shares compelling stories of companies struggling with chaos and the transformative power of systems, from saving a million-dollar business owner drowning in admin work to creating workflows that freed up entire weekends. Whether you're a business owner hitting growth challenges or just starting your entrepreneurial journe...

In this insightful episode of Own The Exit , Caleb and Aaron sit down with Wayne Courreges III, founder of CREI Partners and a Marine Corps veteran, to explore the art of diversification in real estate and beyond. Wayne shares his journey from military service to building a $50M real estate portfolio and provides practical advice for navigating entrepreneurial challenges. Discover how to leverage diversification to mitigate risks, create financial freedom, and build a legacy—all while staying tr...

Too many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of chasing quick fixes and flashy opportunities that promise instant riches. In this episode of On the Exit , Aaron and Caleb break down why playing the long game in business and investing is the ultimate strategy for building wealth and lasting success. Drawing on personal experiences—from failed investments to lessons in patience—they explore the mindset shifts and daily habits that separate fleeting gains from real impact. If you're ready to reject th...

Is your entrepreneurial journey stuck in overdrive, chasing every shiny object? In this episode of Own the Exit , Aaron dives into the strategies and mindset needed to move from single-business success to strategic diversification. He shares why timing matters, how to avoid distractions, and what it means to leverage your expertise while creating passive income streams. You'll learn the two best approaches to diversification, whether it's investing in familiar industries or branching into unknow...

What if the secret to business success isn’t smarter work, but harder work—at least at first? In this solo episode of Own the Exit , Caleb dives into the trap of overthinking and why "done is better than perfect." He challenges the belief that efficiency is always the answer, instead focusing on the power of iteration and market feedback. Drawing from his own experience and examples like Dave Ramsey’s budgeting app, Caleb shows how exponential results are born from relentless action and continuo...

What does it take to turn massive losses into massive wins? George Salas shares his journey from losing $300K in a failed partnership to creating a thriving empire through short-term rentals and strategic business acquisitions. In this episode, George breaks down his method for scaling businesses, turning failures into stepping stones, and building a portfolio that attracts high-value exits. Discover how George identifies profitable businesses, adds value through vertical integration, and positi...

Are you drowning in tasks and stuck in the endless grind of running your business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Own the Exit , Aaron Leatherdale unpacks the transformative power of delegation and hiring. Learn how to identify the right tasks to delegate, overcome the fear of letting go, and build a team that can take your business further than you ever imagined. Discover practical strategies for leveraging your team’s strengths, creating time freedom, and staying in your zone of genius. ...

In this episode, Caleb and Aaron debunk the myth of overnight success and explore why get rich quick schemes can derail your entrepreneurial journey. They discuss real-life examples like Tiger Woods and Eminem, highlighting the years of hard work behind their achievements. You’ll learn how small, daily improvements and playing the long game are the real keys to success. Plus, get an action plan to set long-term goals and stay motivated. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone feeling ...

In this episode of Own the Exit , Caleb and Aaron break down three common myths that hold entrepreneurs back from success. They challenge the idea that entrepreneurs are born, not made, and emphasize the importance of cultivating grit and resilience. Through personal stories and experiences, they highlight how failure is a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. The conversation also dives into the trap of perfectionism, showing how striving for constant growth is the key to long-term success. W...

In this episode of "Own the Exit," Caleb and Aaron tackle one of the most common misconceptions among entrepreneurs: that a big, revolutionary idea is necessary for success. Drawing on real-world examples like Google and their own business experiences, they break down why execution—taking consistent, decisive action over long periods of time—is the real driver behind success. They emphasize the importance of sticking with proven concepts and industries rather than chasing "sexy" ideas, and discu...

In this episode of Own the Exit , co-host Aaron takes the mic to break down a crucial aspect of business success: evaluating potential partnerships. Using the Value Contribution Quotient (VC Quotient), Aaron explains how to assess contributions in terms of time , talent , and treasure to ensure balanced and effective partnerships. Aaron shares three personal examples from his real estate career, illustrating how these principles play out in real-world scenarios, from single-family homes to large...

In this episode of Own the Exit , Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale break down one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of entrepreneurship—scaling a business. Many entrepreneurs dream of growth but are often terrified of the effort, complexity, and potential pitfalls that come with it. Caleb and Aaron dive into the Growth Paradox , the tension between excitement and fear when it comes to scaling. They discuss the importance of understanding the difference between linear growth and tru...

In this episode, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale interview Anderson Salgado, a former Amazon executive who transitioned into entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of reverse engineering success, the mindset of abundance versus scarcity, and the critical role of hiring the right people. Anderson shares his journey from the Marine Corps to Amazon, his leap into entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the significance of financial literacy an...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale discuss the growing trend of entrepreneurs shifting their focus from active income to passive income through real estate investments. Caleb emphasizes the importance of real estate as a stable and tangible asset that can provide financial security and long-term wealth generation. The conversation explores various investment strategies, including some stories of Aaron's joint ventures and syndications, and highlights the entrepr...

In this episode of Own the Exit , host Caleb Edwards dives into the crucial distinction between action and output. Many entrepreneurs equate busyness with productivity, but as Caleb explains, it’s not the hours you put in, but the high-value work that propels your business forward. Drawing on lessons from fatherhood and personal experience, Caleb shares hard-earned insights, such as why "getting over yourself" and delegating tasks is essential for growth. He also emphasizes the importance of foc...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron dive into the often misunderstood relationship between presidential elections and investment strategies. They explore historical data showing the surprising stability of the stock market during election years, highlighting how the S&P 500 has posted positive returns in nearly every election year since 1928. Discover why election years might not be as detrimental to your investments as they seem. Caleb and Aaron discuss the impact of new administra...

In this comprehensive episode, Caleb Edwards and Aaron Leatherdale explore the deeper meaning of success, revealing why it’s about more than just the number of zeros in your bank account. They dive into how you can transition from chasing millions to building millionaires, offering both practical strategies and a mindset shift for entrepreneurs who want more than financial wealth. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, they discuss the impact of automating your life and business, foc...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron interview Tony Zolecki, an entrepreneur, success coach and business builder. They discuss the transition from chasing money to achieving significant impact and legacy. Tony shares his journey from working in corporate America to network marketing and the importance of mindset and personal development. He emphasizes the shift from success to significance, where the focus is on helping others and making a difference. Tony also talks about the power ...

This episode of Own the Exit focuses on navigating challenges as your business grows, with a specific emphasis on the complex art of communication. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in a growing business and the challenges that arise when adding more team members. The four keys to successfully managing communication in a growing company are: 1) the rule of three and ten, 2) staying in your lane as a leader, 3) building the right team based on alignment of values, and 4)...

In this episode of Own the Exit, Caleb and Aaron interview Ben Oberg, the founder and director of the Capitalist Network. Ben shares his journey from working in the car business to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of playing to your strengths and building a team that complements your weaknesses. Ben also discusses the significance of balance in business and life, and the need to invest in passive income and assets. He encourages entrepreneurs to be intentional abo...

In this episode, Caleb Edwards discusses the transition from being an entrepreneur to being an entrepreneur investor. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from a growth mindset to a preservation of capital mindset and the need to redeploy resources rather than retire. Caleb shares his personal journey as an entrepreneur and the realization that he needed to start investing in order to secure his family's future. He highlights real estate as a sensible investment for entrepreneurs due to its ...