From Green Beret to Real Estate Entrepreneur: Faith-Based Service with Quinn McArthur
Episode Details
Transcript
Imagine a former Green Beret sharing the unexpected secret to successful real estate investing. While his military background brings discipline, it's his values and faith that drive his decisions. Learn how this unconventional approach leads to long-term success and discover the surprising twist that sets his strategy apart. Ready to uncover the hidden power behind values-driven investing? Stay tuned for the unexpected journey that will change the way you look at real estate.
My special guest is Quinn McArthur
Quinn McArthur, a former Green Beret in the US Army and a West Point graduate, brings a unique blend of military discipline and values-driven approach to real estate investing. After dedicating a decade to military service, Quinn pivoted towards real estate development and capital raising for diverse projects. As the co-founder of the Legacy Land Fund alongside Eric Sharaga, his commitment to faith, family, and adding value to others shapes his purpose-driven investment strategies. With a focus on serving others and making a meaningful impact, Quinn's transition from the military to the world of real estate offers valuable insights and a compelling story for the listeners of the podcast.
It's more than just the financial returns. It's really just kind of thinking through, it's the stewardship and the service piece as well. - Quinn McArthur
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Master real estate investing strategies for long-term success in wealth creation.
- Navigate career transitions with confidence and make informed decisions.
- Gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey and learn perseverance tips for success.
- Discover the impact of values-driven investing in real estate.
- Learn effective goal-setting and stewardship principles for financial growth.
Real Estate Investing Strategies
Quinn McArthur emphasizes the importance of dedicated research and due diligence in real estate investing. He advocates for the examination of potential partners' track records and execution abilities, as alignment in values and transparency are critical factors for success. Quinn's strategy showcases the significance of a meticulous and values-driven approach in real estate investments, leading to the cultivation of mutually beneficial partnerships and successful outcomes.
Books and Resources
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Connect with Quinn McArthur
WEBSITE: http://www.apexcapitalre.com
legacylandfund.com
EMAIL: info@legacylandfund.com
CONTACT: 770.301.5591
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/quinn.mcarthur.5
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/quinnmcarthur/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnmcarthur/
Haven Financial:
https://www.myfinancialhaven.com/jamiebateman/
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Speaker 0
Quinn McCarthy joins us on this episode. He's a former Green Burray in the US army, West Point graduate, and, spent ten years in the army and pivoted to focus on real estate development and raising capital for different real estate projects. He's now working with a friend of mine, Eric Sharaga, on the legacy land fund. And, that's something you're definitely gonna wanna check out. What comes through for me in this episode is Quinn's devotion to his faith, his values, his family, adding value to others. And you know, just just his service. He certainly had, an outstanding military career and service there, but then it it comes across and becomes very clear that that Quinn is very much focused on serving others, and adding value across the board. So not only are you gonna receive practical value with regard to potentially investing with Quinn, through his land node investing and real estate investing, but also just for anyone who's ever had to make a decision regarding should I leave my job Should I switch career paths? Should I start a business? How do I balance family life with my professional career we focus a lot on that and how that plays into identity, how to take the long term view, how to rely on others. Quinn talks about how he tends to, you know, relying on himself a little bit as far as just rolling up the sleeves and doing hard work, but realizing through the years that it's better to work you know, rely on your team members and your faith to help carry you through the hard times and, That way you can impact as many people as possible. Just a fantastic eye, a fantastic interview. I think you're gonna enjoy this one. Speaker 1
Welcome to the from adversity to abundance podcast. Are you an entrepreneur or aspiring entrepreneur, then this show is for you. Each week, we bring you impactful stories of real people, who have overcome painful human adversity to create a life of abundance. A life of abundance. You are not alone in your struggle. Join us, and you will experience the power of true stories and gain practical knowledge from founders who have turned poverty into prosperity and weakness into wealth. This podcast will encourage you through your health, relationship, and financial challenges So you can become the hero in your quest for freedom. Take ownership of the life you are destined to live. Turn your adversity into abundance. Speaker 0
Welcome everybody to another episode of the from adversity to abundance podcast. I am your host Jamie bateman, and I'm pumped today to have with us Quinn McCarthy. Quinn, how are you doing today? Speaker 2
Doing well, Jamie. How are you? Speaker 0
I'm doing pretty well. It's sunny. It's it's cold here in Maryland, but, you know, I'm vertical. These are these are two good things. It's sunny and a vertical. So Speaker 2
You're welcome anytime down here in Florida, man. Come on now. Speaker 0
There you go. What's what's the weather like down there? Speaker 2
Oh, it's freezing today. It just it it got below sixty today. It's freezing cold. Speaker 0
That's rough. That's so terrible for you. So Quinn is the founder of Apex Capital, and I know Quinn, you're also working, a cofounder of the legacy land fund, we're gonna get into some of the the stuff you you've got going on. But for the listener, who are you and what are you up to today? Speaker 2
Yeah. Appreciate it. Yeah. Like Jamie said, Quinn MacArthur, married of twelve years. I have three small children. I live in a small beach town called Pawna Beach beach, it's right outside of Jacksonville, Florida. We're a we're a Christian family. So we try to, you know, stay focused on you know, stewarding what what god has given us and and serving others in one way that I've done that is is through my my vocation in full time real estate investing. So a bunch of investments going on in the commercial real estate space. But the one I'm most excited about is the legacy land fund that we just launched earlier this year. Speaker 0
That's awesome. We're gonna dive into some specifics as much as we can later in the show on the on that new fund with that you have going on with with Eric Geraga. So, Quinn, let's jump into your backstory. I know you are a West Point grad and a former Green Burray, which I think the the listener's gonna find, fascinating you know, we were chatting a little bit before we hit record. And, I know you've had some some phases in your life and some life decisions to make, you know, as far your professional, your vocation versus family life and and kind of what how you wanna play out have things play out on a life from a lifestyle standpoint and financial standpoint. Jump back into your backstory if you would and Why'd you, why'd you join the military? Speaker 2
I wish I could say there was, for a because of, you know, to serve my country. And of course, that was part of it. But it's really seeking adventure. I had some friends, I had some family friends that had went to West Point and had served and, just I looked up to them. They were mentors of mine. So I think either, you know, from childhood, I was, you know, taught, you know, Christian conservative values and at an early age, you know, was always taught to kind of serve, you know, so that was that was always part of it. And so, you know, when I got the chance that, you know, when everyone was kinda graduating from high school and going to, Whatever University. I kinda when everyone was zigging, and I I zagged. And Speaker 0
Okay. Speaker 2
Found myself at at West Point, and then and then jumped into my pharma career. Speaker 0
Yeah. That's awesome. I, we're similarly, I I, you know, really the reason I served was to try to be a part of something bigger than myself, and and I definitely wanted some adventure as well. So I can I can appreciate all of all of what you just said? And, so tell us a little bit about your experience at West Point, and then and then your time in the army? Speaker 2
Well, again, I I wish I could say West Point was a blast. First two years are pretty rough. And then You kinda come into your own in the latter years. I had a great army experience, though. I mean, I I served active duty ten years, and the infantry in kind of the first half and then, later in in special operations. And I just had a I had a a good experience. I had great units. Served with amazing soldiers and great mentors. Commanders, you know, challenging deployments, certainly. But I felt like it was, you know, as I mentioned, kinda growing up with strong values, it was it was almost like a training ground to kind of prove yourself Yeah. And then kinda like hone your skills and and, kind of live out those values to some degree. Speaker 0
What, where were you deployed? Speaker 2
Man, like everybody, we were all over the Middle East, and then my particular unit I was with in special operations, we were all over central and South America. Speaker 0
Got it. So I imagine you have taken some of those those principles, you know, from the army and and applied them to the rest of your life. Is there anything that comes to mind right now as far as just one or two principles or lessons you learned through the your army experience that you've, incorporated into your life. Speaker 2
Now, I think the, the biggest thing for me was, you know, the army's pretty regimented, obviously, and they give you, like, your task and purpose. But you'd be surprised that well, you wouldn't you you know how it is, but the I think, something would be surprised at the the ambiguity sometimes of your mission set. You know, and so you're kinda given a task and perfect purpose, but like, how do you accomplish it, you know, with limited resource? And so that kind of that gray area that you live through, you know, day in, day out, deployment after deployment training cycle after training cycle is like, You didn't I didn't realize it at the time, obviously, but it was kind of a perfect, like, training ground for entrepreneurship. Kinda like, hey, I know where I wanna go. I can set goals and I have a vision, but, like, How do I get there? Like, what do I do right now? What do I do in this quarter, in this year? You know, and so Speaker 0
Yeah. Yeah. I think the military, it's you know, there's there's so much planning that does go on. I mean, there's I mean, in some ways, it's, like, it's overkill. Depending on what you, you know, the whole, like, MDMP process. I'm not even sure if that's still still a thing, but there's so much planning that goes on which is critical, but then the reality is nothing ever goes to plan. Right? And so, I mean, there are a couple of quotes about that. One is from Mike Tyson, and the other is a is an actual military related, quote. But, Yeah. I mean, it's so anything about planning? I mean, planning versus real life, any, any insights there? Speaker 2
No. I think you I think you hit it and I'm terrible with quotes, but I know what you mean. Like, when the bullets start flying or when you get when you get punched in the mouth, like, all your your beautiful plans, like, go out the window. And then as an off or as you know, like, I mean, you're like, okay, this is how it should be. We're gonna plan this out. And in your mind, it's great. And then man, I mean, it never goes to the porting plan. And you just gotta kind of pivot and and and be flexible. Luckily, you know, had great, you know, NCOs around me and and other support would kinda keep me keep me on track. But Speaker 0
Yeah. Well, and I think it's critical that that you do that planning and practice because then you still have sort of principles and I guess a north star to go back to when things do go awry. Because you know It's Speaker 2
the contingencies. It's the contingency planning. It's kinda like ball of what ifs. Know, and it's almost like your the military teaches you, like, forces you to, like, list them out. Hey, what are what could happen And Yeah. Without, like, a deliberate, like, deliberately doing that, you wouldn't, you know, it's half of a market happy, you know, most of the market happen, but, like, the one that does, it's like, you've at least brainstormed, you know. Yeah. You just kind of mold it over your head. I think it's, I think it directly implements to to the investing and everything else. Speaker 0
So ten years, that's kind of the the tipping point or the, you know, typically ten or twelve years once you once you've got maybe twelve years in, most people are not getting out of the military. Right? Because you're so close to twenty year mark. So, obviously, there was some serious decision making going on at that point in your life. What, take us behind the curtain a little bit and let us know what was the context and why'd you get out of the military? Speaker 2
Well, yeah. You're right. First of all, ten years is kinda like, hey, you're kind of promoteable to major and hold the carrot out for him. He will send you back to school and you can go to this cool school and go here and there. And, But for us, it was, for for us, my family, it was a a very deliberate decision. One that we we've thought about and prayed about for for quite some time. Obviously, you kinda know it's coming. Because of my deployment cycle, I missed, really, the first two years of mine. Son's life, you know. And so we were learning, we learned that we were having twins. And so that was a a fairly easy decision, you know, kind of hard in the sense that you know, I invested so much time into into, into what I was doing, and I was doing well. And, you know, again, great units and great commanders. I was like, man, I was on a good path. But, family came first you know, and Sure. So the primary reason was just focus on the family, you know, stay close to home. I didn't wanna miss. Didn't wanna miss any more of important things. Speaker 0
Yeah. Well, I could say, I mean, I I did eight years in the reserves. I did about four years of active duty time within that eight years. And, you know, I never had any goals of of retiring from the military. To me, it was, like, you know, there was some internal pressure from the military to to stay in and, but to me, it's like, well, most people don't don't serve. So I feel like, you know, what I've done is good and and, you know, the reserves are certainly different. And and I was not in SF by any means. But, yeah, I felt like I was constantly missing birthdays. You you know, just and the higher up you go, the more responsibility you have, just like anything else. And the whole we one weekend a month and two weeks per year is not really not really accurate, in reality. So it's like there was a lot of, you know, just just opportunity cost, you know, on the family side for me as well. And I mentioned to you before we hit record that I missed, our first three wedding anniversaries due to the military and, which, you know, it looked like I've got scared and ran off, but that doesn't do a whole lot for your marriage, you know, if you're not if you're not home. So it's hard. It it's I think don't have stats in front of me, but I'm sure the divorce rate in in the military certainly in SF, I would guess is higher than across the board, you know, outside of the military. Do you know if that's true? Speaker 2
I don't know the stats, but, I mean, those guys are studs. They sacrifice so much you know, and it's always it's kind of interesting. It's kinda like the guys who are single and with, like, without families, kinda like, well, shoot your Yeah. Now, you can do that training cycle. You can go on the employment. It's like, well, there's a reason why I because you keep pulling me. It's like, you know, there's Right. Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
Such, I mean, the men and women out there still serving, and there there's even even though it doesn't look like there's much not much going on in the world. There's so much activity. Speaker 0
For sure. So, you know, what was that like from from an identity standpoint? I mean, you know, you touch on it a little bit. You put so much time and training to become this this person. I mean, not, you know, I know there's more to life than than just your your military career, but that's a big part of it at that point. Right? So what's going through your mind, you know, from a personal standpoint. And I guess I'd say just relationship with yourself and your view of yourself and who you are. What what what was going through your mind when you got out of the military? Speaker 2
Yeah. I think identity crisis would be too strong, but definitely struggles, emotionally mentally, you know, I'd invested so much time, effort, energy, and so did my wife just and and all of my family just, you know, the the stress of it all. And then to just kinda just just pivot and move, was was was very tough. It's kinda like, you know, I I made the decision all for good reasons, but then for the first several months, if not, a year or more, you know, you're kinda like second guessing, you know. And it became really clear. And actually, it surprised me how much my identity was tied to Mhmm. Find my job and what I had, you know, I was a Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
Detachment commander. I was I was doing this and this and it's kinda like, You know, it was it was a it was kind of a wake up call. And so luckily, you know, you know, I have great mom and dad, great great siblings who, you know, great friends surrounding me that kinda Yeah. Wanna be back to, hey, your identity is, is not in those things. It's not. It's not. It's Speaker 0
bigger than that. Right? Speaker 2
It's it's bigger than that. And and my Christian fate tells me that you know, I'm I'm I'm more than that, and I'm a I'm a child of of gods. And, and I love no matter what I do, I'm not I'm not tied to, like, what I do. It's it's Yeah. It's who I am. Speaker 0
No. It sounds like, I mean, it sounds like a real period of pain, but growth. At the same time. You know, usually, that's what happens is the growth comes out of that that pain period for people. You know, I I guess, what would you say? There's no one size fits all. Right? There's no one answer for everybody out there. Everyone has a different situation. All those caveats aside, what would you say to someone who might be thinking of a career change, might be thinking of quitting their job and launching a business How do you know when it's the right time to, you know, make that major move? What's is there any anything you could point to as far as knowing when the timing is right? Speaker 2
I mean, it's definitely something you you you think about and you pray about and you don't you don't make any rash decisions. How do you know when the time's right? I think for me, and I think could be applicable for for for others is just again, it's just going back to, like, your purpose, like, kinda just just doing some soul searching and kinda figuring out, like, why why you, why you wanna make that pivot You know, if it's because things are just not how you prefer them, and and it's it's just kinda you're going through a phase, then maybe you stay. But if it's if it's if you know, that the reason why you want them to move is is kind of a, is is, achieved like contributing towards your long term vision. And then I think it's that that might be the answer that you they need to kinda make the decision. Speaker 0
Sounds like you had surrounded yourself with also with, just a lot of, you know, supportive people in your in your world that that may have given you wise counsel during that time. Is that true? Speaker 2
That's very true. I mean, start with my my wife Amanda, like I mentioned, my my parents, friends. Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
You know, church community. Absolutely. Speaker 0
Yeah. So okay. And the the biggest reason that you you got out really was the the the stress on the family was was overwhelming or I don't wanna put words in your mouth, but is is that what the main factor was? Speaker 2
Yeah. It was it was really twofold. I mean, it was def I don't feel like I was running away from anything, but but more so, you know, wanted to focus on the family, but also had to kinda had an itch to to do my own thing. You know? I mean, the the I wanted some autonomy, you know, and you can imagine how the army is to kinda they have a way of telling you what to do and when to do it. And, and so I was like, man, what? I'd love to, you know, kinda create my own schedule and, and, choose my own adventure, you know. Speaker 0
Absolutely. I think for me, one of the things that's surfaced on this, this show is is asking yourself even if, and, you know, I don't know if this was helpful for you at the time, but I think for make making big decisions like that, asking yourself even if So, yeah, you can do all these what ifs and for planning, that's important. But even if I start a bit I I quit the military and I start a business and that business fails, I'll still be okay because, you know, if my faith in god or support from my family, these other the the greater purpose that you talk about. Right? So just asking yourself, even if even if this goes wrong, I'll be okay. Right? And and Yeah. You probably could've joined the military again if you if you wanted to. I mean, I would, you know, Speaker 2
It it it's it it's scary. It's all it's scary to to make the jump, but to me, in the way I'm able to kinda maybe make the the shift in my head. It's like it's almost more scary to to think what if five years from now, ten years from now, you look back and you just you're so regretful that you didn't make sense at all. That's even more scary. Speaker 0
That's right. Absolutely. Speaker 2
It's like, now I couldn't I know I couldn't live Speaker 0
Yeah. Well, I think that's an that's an excellent point actually that gets glossed over too much is that's risky. It is sometimes not doing anything is actually riskier than actually taking the jump. Right? I'm not saying everyone out there listening, you should quit your job tomorrow. I don't know. But I absolutely had the same thing. I I worked for fourteen years, for the Department of Defense, And, my, my, my, transition was a little slower because I worked seven years part time, and then I finally finally resigned. But, and and it wasn't from the military, in that case. But, you know, there was still it was still hard, you know, to to think through that. And and, yeah, it just, it's, you know, you you've gotta I I think my regret would have been too big if I'd you know, I the regret would have been bigger had I not left and, done my own thing. And and so there's a lot of risk in in trying to play it safe as well, if you will. Yeah. Yep. Speaker 2
And I think it's true for some people. I mean, I feel like we're both kinda saying, hey, do it. You'll regret it if you don't. But, like, I think it's true also for people who, like, there was people that stayed in the army that, you know, I was like, hey, that's Speaker 0
They should have stayed. Yeah. Speaker 2
They should have stayed like that's they were made for this. I mean, one hundred percent. Lifeords. Right? And then some people who are like great employees, like, they they they love the projects that they're managing. You know? Yeah. Right. They they they like to kind of be more. So it's like, man, that's that's very Speaker 0
Absolutely. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. We're not saying everyone should make this drastic leap, you know, but But I still think it's it's important to know that, you know, there there are a lot of people out there who might maybe it's just switching jobs, right, or or, something that's maybe not quite as drastic as as getting out of the military. You know, but but just you don't wanna look back and regret you know, not taking a chance or not living your higher purpose, because you were scared or, you know, you didn't think beyond the the day to day. So Okay. So so leaving the military is one thing, but how did you know which direction you were gonna go after that? Speaker 2
Gosh. It was all I mean, so a lot of my counterparts, they the the most people just kind of for lack of better options, hey, go back and get your MBA. You know, it's kinda like, don't know what to do. I'm gonna go be I'm gonna go into eye banking or go into consulting. For me, it was I I just didn't know. I didn't I knew I didn't wanna be a consultant and travel from, you know, be be going most of the week. I knew I kinda wanted to do something with, my father-in-law was in real estate and some of my friends and family, you know, they're were in real estate. So I'm kinda like, I kinda knew a little bit about that. And for me, it wasn't like I was called to real estate, but it was more like I felt like god was kinda closing doors in other areas of my life. Was like, well, that got that got closed. That got closed. And and for me, I was at living in Destin at the time, and I had a great opportunity to kinda do like an internship. At a real estate development company. Okay. And and and definitely sought it out, but, but jumped on an opportunity to, like, hey, low risk, Let's try it for six months. Let's put some time and effort into this. And, kinda, let's see. And I saw for me, it validated what I kinda knew about real estate, and that was that, you know, a lot of impact can be made with a small team. You know? Mhmm. Mhmm. You know, it it's rewarding financially. It's impactful in the community. It's impactful. Personally, you know, so and I I saw that firsthand, close-up, you know, close-up personal throughout internship. And so I was like, man, this is it. And so I just closed all the rest of the doors and just started kinda running in that direction. So I was like, I again, where where people were kinda digging into the the MBA route. I was like, I don't know, for some reason, almost like a contrarian in that way. I'd be like, well, I wanna do something different. I didn't I didn't know many other people doing Speaker 0
Mhmm. Speaker 2
Like just jumping into real estate, but for me, it Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
Makes sense. Speaker 0
Well, I mean, I still hear the common thread, the the thread through your story of service and making an impact. It's it's not I didn't hear I mean, yeah, as you said, it's financially rewarding, which is awesome, right, for you, but it that's also for your family. And but it sounds like really more what you're focused on is is making an impact and taking your faith and your experience and your background and are laying that into your your future and making an impact of and still still serving and still being a part of something bigger than your stuff. So I think that that threat is, you know, from the military through into your real estate and investing career seems to be, consistent. Okay. So so the internship, what did that turn into then? Speaker 2
It turned into a a full time gig for about here. Mhmm. And, I mean, cut my teeth as kind of a project manager. So, I mean, just budgeting and scheduling and, you know, is is managing people, so which I'd already kinda on in the in the army, and then leverage that experience to degree to to jump into a a bigger commercial real estate development shop in Orlando. Where just a a tremendous exposure to the to the world of real estate. I feel like most people jump into commercial real estate as as like an analyst or as a as a bin, you know, on the brokerage side. Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
Through a couple of connections. I was able to kinda get a a pretty good seat in in the in a development role where I can see the the full life cycle of the deal from from acquisitions through, you know, project management, asset management, not all the way to investor relations and the financial modeling and everything else, everything in between. So if you had to answer your question, you had internship to full time at that same place and then Mhmm. And then to a larger development shop doing larger deals, more complex deals. Speaker 0
Mhmm. Well, it sounds like that first after the internship or the full time job, first full time job was with a smaller team. Right? You said? Speaker 2
Smaller teams, smaller market. You know, you can get more hands on closer to the, yeah, closer to the deal, closer to the Speaker 0
Sure. Yeah. And that it makes sense why you I mean, when you're when you're with a smaller team, you're you're having to do everything. Or or, you know, you're at least involved in each step of the process. Speaker 2
Yeah. And I I think that's one thing I was really intentional about not doing was getting pigeonhole. You know, I saw some of my colleagues, I guess you could say kinda go down a route. It's kinda like they know one thing, you know, really well. And, but that to me was, a mistake. At least for me, you know, I kinda wanna see all all the different things and Mhmm. You know, just Yeah. Speaker 0
Well, I think the I mean, you know, the the leadership lessons and and experience that you and I both have from the military, I think, can be are are transferrable across pretty much any industry, you know, not saying it's easy to lead people. I'm not suggesting teamwork is is a breeze and and in managing people is is super easy, but, I think, you know, your background and mine can be, is pretty well transferrable across, you know, multiple industries, which is nice. So got into commercial development and then, talk about Apex Capital. What's, what was the impetus there? Speaker 2
Yeah. So I launched Apex Capital and that was the impetus was really, again, at at the commercial real estate shop that I was at, I mean, just a a great a great place to learn, great exposure, great boss and mentor and friends around me, surrounded me. But again, it was just I wanted to choose my own strategy, wanted to choose my own deals, wanted to choose my own partners, you know. I wanted to kinda impact communities and and and have impact in my own way. You know? Mhmm. And so that was that was really the impetus. Again, it it wasn't really running away from that, but You know, again, I I guess another thing would be where we live, we're living in Orlando at the time. And, you know, I was kinda I felt a little bit stuck You know, because we didn't, we didn't love the the, you know, the area we were in. Just wasn't for us. And know, so that we didn't have the freedom to kind of be where we wanted to. We we removed we moved from Destin to to Orlando, and it was kinda like, hey, man, if I'm gonna be in Florida, like, kinda wanna be by the beach, So we were trying to get back to closer to family and closer to the coast. And, I didn't have that I didn't have that. Love it. Didn't have that, that ability. So I was like, Speaker 0
Right. So okay. So launching Apex Capital is when you went from a w two employee to an entrepreneur. Is that true? Speaker 2
Yes. Speaker 0
Okay. Talk about that transition because they're we have a lot of budding entrepreneurs or solo entrepreneurs, newly, you know, someone who just started a business, maybe they have a side hustle. What was that like? I mean, you the know, the military transition was a big one away from the military. What was it like to leave your your w two and start a business? What's going through your mind that point besides the the lifestyle stuff you just talked about. Speaker 2
Yeah. Another past scary transition, I too had kind of a side hustle that I was leaning into on, you know, week at nights and weekends. Speaker 0
Mhmm. Speaker 2
And so, and then I I feel like I was fortunate enough to be at a place in my that it was it was pretty entrepreneurial as it was. Mhmm. You know, so I kinda got to Speaker 0
it. Yeah. Yeah. Speaker 2
You know, make my own moves there to to a degree. But again, I mean, it was it was a step of faith, you know, and I fell fell some open doors and, and kinda took the lead. Speaker 0
Yeah. Well, again, Speaker 2
I It's like yeah. Go ahead. Speaker 0
No. I I think it's to me, it's like you probably if Apex failed or your next venture failed, you I think you could you could find another job. So, you know, I'm not I'm not saying it's easy to make that transition or, you know, just everyone should throw caution to the wind, but even if he tried and failed, quote unquote failed, you can likely go get another w two. So that's, the risk and if you zoom out enough and take the long term view, the risk is usually a lot lower than it might seem like in the in the moment. This is me just projecting a little bit, but, any any thoughts there? Speaker 2
No. Yeah. You're right. And I I it it's I feel like maybe I'm painting the picture that is like, oh, yeah. I've decided it and I'm I made the leap and it it's worked out. Like, I mean, there's Right. It's years in the making. Yeah. And I mean, I I'm reminded of a a deal I did with, a gentleman that, you know, he made a lot of money on this on this one transaction. And one transaction. And, I mean, we did well. We executed the the the business plan. And my he but he quit his job. Right? I mean, and he he he took this long vacation to to Europe. He took his mom with him, and he was gone for a month. And I'm like, hey, and like, I'm quitting. It's over. You know, I'm, you know, I'm like, hey, hold on. This was one deal, you know, and and, and so I think there's some, I don't know, just I'm always praying for wisdom and discernment. So I I think it's all hung, you know, and you never never really arrive at at that. But you, you know, you kind of have to just take take steps and plan, you know, plan contingency plan. Speaker 0
Yeah. Well, and like you've said about just you do have to pivot it based on what doors are open and which ones are closed. And, And and and there's a lot more. Like, you mentioned, you glossed right over, but it was long term in the making. We love to look at everybody who's successful as you know, an overnight success or oh, he's he's an entrepreneur and he's just killing it now and he never never put in any work beforehand. And No. This was, you know, for me, I was I was working part time for seven years while I was you know, building my businesses. So, but I'm still holding that w two and, really necessarily wanna be, but it is it was the furthest thing from an overnight success, you know. So but, I I think a lot of the listeners can relate to the fact that they want that control and that lifestyle, you know, that you've been able to create. It sounds like and I and I think the military will will do that to you. Yes. You know, in some senses, So I I guess now what does what does your day to day look like, today? Speaker 2
Again, it's it's different every day. A lot of phone calls, a lot of, you know, partnership calls with the the different ventures I'm a part of. Mhmm. A lot of due diligence. You know, scanning through a lot of potential deals that turn out to be, you know, Duds or just things you choose to pass on. Sure. It's a lot of I I usually try to spend my morning hours in kinda deep work, if you will, kinda just head down, focus on long term stuff and try to try to ignore the inbox, try to ignore the, you know, try to not schedule too many calls unless I have to. And then, you know, and then the the afternoon is kinda like, alright. Put out some fires. You know? Speaker 0
Yeah. That's what happens. Speaker 2
What Speaker 0
does What's Apex's capital? So is there a typical deal or a typical client that you work with? You know, you don't have to necessarily do a case study for us, but but what does, what does a deal look like that you're actually, you know, that you've worked on before? Speaker 2
Yeah. Sure. The, well, I'll just talk about our latest one is we we partnered with a developer in, in Atlanta. So we were we raised the capital for a a outparcel development. So it's a Okay. Build suit, Starbucks, a ground lease on a on on a gas station. So just just develop any out parcels in front of a, you know, a mixed use community there. Speaker 0
Okay. Speaker 2
So it was a a market that I knew a developer that, kind of was acquainted with. So I felt comfortable, and then with my development background, I felt comfortable underwriting the deal and kinda just to me, it's it's it's less about what's the strategy and more about who's executing the strategy. Mhmm. Yeah. Especially in real estate, when it's a when it's a complex ideal and having sat in the seat of a developer and on the GP side and a deal sponsor, it's kinda like, hey, I know I know how, how how crucial it is to to get the execution right. Speaker 0
Well, absolutely. And that there's no question. I mean, there's, if you're investing as a passive investor, this is not financial advice neither of us are giving out financial advice. But the operator is number one. I mean, it's just the GP that that, you know, they experience and the track record of of that person managing the deal, I think, is number one. That's my personal opinion. And so And then, obviously, the there are a lot of other important factors such as the market, the actual you mentioned Atlanta, but the market itself, the geographic location, and the economic factors that play into that. But then thirdly, it's the deal itself. You know, those are all really important, but I couldn't agree more that the actual people that you're investing with, that's number one. And you know, because when you're investing passively, you don't have you're giving up control. I mean, there's just because you you don't wanna spend the time You don't have the experience. That's not your wheelhouse. So the there's always a trade off, right, maybe you're too busy. And but you've got capital you wanna put to work. You've gotta you've gotta do due diligence on that that GP or that operator. So any tips for passive investors with regard to who to place capital with? Speaker 2
Yeah. I mean, I agree with you that after a while, the the deal fundamental start to look the same. Like, I've seen that business model before. You know, it's like deja vu, you know. Right. Those those returns look exactly the same. It's kinda like, well, like I said, like I mentioned in the my morning hours, they're spent a lot of, you know, try to get some face to face time, meet people locally. I mean, you gotta That's where really rubber meets them up the road is like kinda who are these deal sponsors. So, yeah, I think, I think your your time is well spent, you know, really digging in on what are their values, you know, and trying to get some trying to get some references, you know, what what's their why? What why are they even doing this? And they just you know, so do they do they care about the community that they're building in? Do they have they, dude, where did the day they live next door? You know, it's like, those are, like, kind of the nuanced things. It's like, that, I don't I don't think it's talked about a lot, but Speaker 0
Right. Absolutely. And so your primary role is to with Apex is to raise capital and find GPs to work with, on specific deals. Right? Speaker 2
That's right. Primarily. And then bunch of I mean, across a bunch of asset classes, whether it's multi family or RV parks, mobile home parks, this one with a ground up development deal. Just, again, it's it's less about strategy and more about, like, who is that operator who's I I like that. I can kinda pivot between asset classes, geographies. Yeah. And to me, it it it it it all comes down to, like, alignment and transparency, you know, like, what, if you when you're analyzing a deal, again, you can kinda run through the numbers. Hey, that looks great. Know, like, okay. We're we're in this structure as their alignment, you know, and will I have? You know, I'd be like you said, kind of giving up some control, but I still at least need some transparency into where the underlying assets and and Right. I was just being executed. What's the where's the schedule? You know, just all the little things. Speaker 0
Yeah. Because, I mean, it's all every pro pro form a is gonna be wrong. But, you know, once it's actually executed, because no one can predict every variable and how it's gonna go, but that's why the operator and getting the I I love that what you mentioned about the values of the operator critical. And and their their track record, I think, is really important. So talk about legacy land fund that you've worked you're working with Eric Sheraga Eric and I are friends. He's a he's a fantastic individual. Talk about values. I he has the the I've beyond most respect for Eric and his, investing, you know, as a person, but also as a professional investor, with mortgage notes and land investing. So talk about what what your role, with Eric, is and and what's going on with the legacy land fund. Speaker 2
Yeah. Super excited about that. And I share your sentiments with Eric and been enjoyed getting to know him over the past several months, and he's got a great book called Lean Moore that kinda go into detail on on, on the specifics of of mortgage note investing. I've been investing in land for ever since I was back in the army actually. Okay. So that's kind of been my my income, my, kind of, my, my stable, reliable, like, income stream is investing in land and land flips and land notes, performing notes, and, it just made sense to me. Like, I think, going back to quotes, like, I think Warren Buffett said something, like, don't invest in a business can't understand. Right. And so, like, and notes. I mean, it just it just makes sense. The fundamentals make sense. And then couple that with with land. I mean, I, again, being on the commercial side, I mean, you see the the issues with tenants. You see the issues with the improved structure on the land. And so, like, that goes away and you don't have the tenants termites and trash. And it's through the trash toilets in in all this. Yeah. It's like, man, this kind of kind of a beautiful thing. Speaker 0
Absolutely. Speaker 2
So, yeah, the the the, the fund is it's really just a continuation of what Eric and I have been doing for years. It's just now allowing others. Access to the deals that we're doing. And it's, I brought in friends and family on on deals, but the compliance gets very challenging once you once you start to scale. So the fun was really I didn't I didn't intend to do a fun, but it was really the best option to kind of bring in. Folks who who want some exposure to real estate, but don't wanna don't wanna own it. Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
You know, they they don't wanna manage it. They don't They're trying to buy their time. You know, they're trying to buy time. They're not trying to, you know, buy another job. Speaker 0
And so the fund is investing in in land notes and and lending on land? Is it is it a debt fund? Or can you talk about the the actual act underlying asset a little bit more? Speaker 2
Yeah. I mean, exclusively focused on land. So, I mean, absolutely. No no improvements. So, again, no no management, no, and it's just mitigate all that liability. But how do you how do you monetize land? You know, unless you're you're leasing it out and you have a tenant on there, you monetize it by with these seller finance notes. And so we can work we have, pretty tremendous deal flow opportunities because of our connections within the network to buy to buy these notes at a discount and, and really scale it and do it on a note for you. Speaker 0
I've worked with Eric on some deals myself, and he always follows through. And, he does have very good deal flow. For sure, and he's established himself in the land space specifically in the last few years. So Yeah. I mean, there's always risk. Right? But, as far as the asset class goes, I would say that that's this is on the the lower side of the re of the risk spectrum. You know, you're not doing ground up development on you know, some speculative hotel or something. Not saying that's always risky, but I think this this model point, you know, the underlying asset is is on the lower side of the risk spectrum. So and and these are this is for accredited investors or who can invest in the fund. Right? Speaker 2
It's a five zero six C credit investors. Speaker 0
Got it. Yep. Okay. Awesome. Anything else you wanna add about the fund? Speaker 2
I mean, maybe I'll talk about the name. It we named it legacy and it kinda tying back to kinda what we were talking about is, like, it's I think it's important to you're talking about the the financial returns of of, you know, providing for your family and and leaving leaving next generation with, you know, with with income streams and and that wealth generation. But I think it's and maybe even more importantly, like, leaving them, leaving a legacy of, of, you know, quality values, you know, and and stewardship and, and and generosity. You know, and so when Eric and I met again through kind of a mutual friend in the in the land community, we we just we hit home on all those, kind of, on those values. And so legacy, it it was just screaming out to, like, that's what it has to be called. And so it's but it's it's more than just financial returns. It's it's really just, kind of thinking through on, you know, it's the stewardship and the service piece as well. Speaker 0
Yeah. I love that because there the let's face it. There are a lot of investment options out there, that promise whatever returns. And, you know, it's I think for for a lot of us, it it's important to know that we're actually working with with good people who wanna serve and create a positive impact on the world and the communities versus just, oh, I I need that eight to twelve percent return, and it's all about money, money, money, money, That's it's important. Like you said, from a stewardship stewardship standpoint, but I love the fact that you've returned you keep returning to values stewardship service, you know, impact. Those are those are really good. Speaker 2
It's something I got wrong early on as well. I keep coming back to it. It's kinda like I mean, I I I chased you, I chased the return, you know, and, Speaker 0
We'll talk about that. What what did you do wrong? What that we can learn from. Yeah. Speaker 2
I mean, with, you know, pick picking the wrong investments, you know, I I I the the the partner was secondary. It was like, what the deal and what's the return, you know, how quick and I have the velocity of cap and how quick can I turn this and move on and stuff? And I I got caught in some some some bad investments. Yeah. I can't believe. Too much time. You know, it took too much time to kind of, put out fires and, and I was just too time involved. So, I mean, when I mentioned that my I prioritize, you know, the alignment piece, I definitely I don't prioritize control. You know, that's that's one of the things because I'm I'm solely focused these days on on the on the passive investments. Mhmm. Yeah. And then again, it goes back to who not how. I mean, it's the strategy strategy second. It's it's who's operating? Who do I wanna do business with long term? Not just for this deal, but for for future partnerships. Speaker 0
Yeah. Yeah. I've got caught in some of the when a lot of the crowdfunding came out. I was throwing some some capital at, these deals because the the numbers looked amazing. This was years ago, but I didn't know who I was investing with. I mean, it's it's, you know, I I I'd like to think I'm a little bit smarter now, and I've learned from those mistakes, but but it's it's easy to do. It's easy to get greedy, basically. It's like, oh, there's this says twenty two percent IRR I'm in, you know, didn't turn out that way. Speaker 2
It's it's easy to do, you know, and then not only that, but you're what you invest in, you're I mean, that's more or less you're endorsing. Yeah. You know, Speaker 0
it's like, that's true. Speaker 2
Not only the asset, but like that person, you're supporting that person. That's right. It's also, like, be careful when you're talking about impact, like Speaker 0
Yeah. Speaker 2
Investments have impact in so many different ways. Know, on the community, on you, on them. And so it's like, man, just I don't know. I'm kind of just slowed down a little. I learned to slow down, just said no a lot more lately. Speaker 0
Yeah. Smart. It's really good. Alright. Are you ready for some rapid fire questions before we get out of here? Speaker 2
Sure, man. Speaker 0
Alright. Quinn, what is one thing that people misunderstand about you? Speaker 2
I misunderstand. I think I might come across, like, serious or, you know, like, maybe, like, uptight or something. I'm I I don't feel that way, but I think I think sometimes I can kind of come across, like, oh, man. It's like, come now. So let's hear it. Yeah. Speaker 0
Can you joke around a little bit or something? Speaker 2
Yeah. Yeah. Speaker 0
What's one of your biggest failures that you learned from? Speaker 2
It's I think the biggest my biggest failure, and I, you know, definitely haven't completely overcome this, but just kinda relying on my own abilities. You know, I feel like I can do it. You know, if I just try harder and it's like, man, you've gotta surround yourself with, like, good people, good partners. You know, just just slow down, you know, try to, just have have a little more discernment there, but I I feel like I just, you know, like, Hey, I can do You know, it's it's Sure. You know, it's it's me. Speaker 0
Right. Yeah. Teamwork, and I know you've talked a lot about faith. It sounds like those are two big factors. For you. If you could go back and give your eighteen year old self some advice, what would that be? Speaker 2
Eighteen. I would say, yeah, I think longer term. I I felt like maybe back then I was, you know, I felt like maybe I was thinking long term by thinking like three or four years out. But that that's that's just that happened so fast. You know, so I think I'd I'd take I'd look at the next phase of life, you know, like, hey, here's my next step. Planning out and contingency plan all that good stuff. Then what's the next step after that? And then also just the why behind it. You know, I think I always had like good intentions, but like, you make goals, but why? What's the underlying, like, motive? Speaker 0
Yeah. So And even even go deeper. Like, why a couple more times below that initial line. Speaker 2
Yep. Speaker 0
But, if you could have coffee with any historical figure, who would that be? Mhmm. They could still be alive today. Speaker 2
And I still know what sorry. Man, I'm a big I'm a big CS Lewis fan. Speaker 0
Sure. Speaker 2
You know, just, yeah, just his his story and then just, I just love to pick his brain. Speaker 0
If you were given ten million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it? Speaker 2
And buy some more notes, man. I mean, I I kinda said that jokingly, but honestly, it's it I I I feel like, I mean, you can that's why I love the the investment space. So Ella's kinda like, you know, that that's a big chunk of principle that you wouldn't wanna just give. You know, I mean, hate to say it that way, but, like, man, if you invested that and multiplied it, I mean, you go back to kinda the the parable of the talents. Alright. I don't know how much a talent was. Maybe it was a million dollars, but the the two gentlemen that multiplied it, they were good and faithful servants. And so I would do my best to kinda discern how to best multiply that. Speaker 0
One guy buried it, right, and the other He Speaker 2
he buried it and he saved. He thought he was doing a good thing, but he was waiting. Speaker 0
Right? And then, one five x did and one ten x did, I think. If I remember correctly, but might be wrong. What's a challenge that you're facing in your business today? There's always a challenge. Speaker 2
For me, it's just being, selective on on deals. Mhmm. You know, I just, as I mentioned, kinda analyzing a lot of deals going through due diligence, and it's just it's just tough because there's a lot of gray area, there's a lot of nuanced stuff, you know, and so it's just taking the time to, you know, be patient and and work through it all and and say no to a lot. It's very challenging. Speaker 0
Sure. What is a book or two that you could recommend for my listener? Speaker 2
I mentioned lienlord. Speaker 0
Yes. It's a good one. Speaker 2
Can I plug that again? Lienlord, Eric Trunga. Let's see. Man, one thing I read kinda, you mentioned when I was eighteen, a book was given to me. It was called the, the celebration of discipline falls through. And, I think that's probably didn't capture all the, like, the the wisdom from it back in the day, but I read it again recently. It really took my time, took notes celebration of discipline is, is a must read, I think, especially for the Speaker 0
Richard Foster. I just looked that up. Nice. Well, I know, Jocko Wilink has the book about discipline discipline equals freedom or something like that. Speaker 2
Books to reader is pretty long. Speaker 0
I read, his extreme ownership, which was good. Awesome. What have we not covered that you wanna touch on? Speaker 2
Hello, man. I mean, I just I think that the just trying to I I think in the in the financial space in the investing world, it's it's really easy to get caught up in, you know, like the the day to day and the the specific investment strategy, but I would just I'd say, I just encourage listeners maybe, to just take a big step back, just try to you know, why are you doing that? Why are we doing this in the first place? Mhmm. Sure. And just really analyze, like, the the the, kind of, the holistic approach to, to, to what we're doing. And that, and let that guide your, your specific strategy. It's so easy to kinda jump right into, like, a specific thing. Speaker 0
Absolutely. And Speaker 2
it's also easy to kinda get dragged. Like, you hear about all the the the, hey, this looks good. This looks good. It's like, well, what what based on your resources, based on your skills, based on what your goals are, your specific goals, like what it what is the best and it's different for everybody. Speaker 0
Yeah. And there's always gonna be another another deal that comes across your desk, you know. So have patience, take the long term view. Yeah. This has been really good, Quinn. It's, there's been a bunch of things that I think are inspiring and practical and just very relatable, I would say, as far as not, you know, not not that everyone's been in special forces, but I think we all have you know, phases in our life and big decisions from a professional standpoint and vocation standpoint and weighing that with lifestyle and family and the just the I just love the service and impact and being a part of something bigger than yourself that that comes through your in your story. So this has been awesome. Where can our listeners reach out to you? Speaker 2
It'll be, you can if you wanna follow the fund, it's legacy land fund dot com. You can you can, go there, check everything out. You can, subscribe to our email there. I think, and then my email is, info. Info at legacy land fund dot com. Speaker 0
Awesome. Is the fund open now for for investors? Speaker 2
It is. Yep. Open earlier this year and off to a pretty good start. Speaker 0
Great. Fantastic. Well, Quinn McCarthy, this has been really good. I've I've thoroughly enjoyed this. So, thanks for taking the time. Appreciate it. Speaker 2
Yeah. Pleasure Jamie. Appreciate it. Speaker 0
And to the listener out there, thank you for spending your most valuable resource with us, and that is your time. Thanks, everyone. Take care. Speaker 1
Thank you for spending your most valuable resource with us. Your time. If you like the show, Please share it with your friends and fellow podcast listeners. One entrepreneur at a time, we can change the world. See you next time. 
