The Hustle Harder Show

If you’re a veteran real estate investor, just starting your journey as a real estate pro, or simply fascinated by the entrepreneurial spirit then this podcast is for you. This is the Hustle Harder Real Estate Podcast hosted by James Gaskin and powered by Renovo Financial. As a lender to real estate investors since 2011, we’ve had the honor of helping thousands of talented real estate entrepreneurs build their dream life one 2x4 at a time – this podcast is about them. We believe that real estate investing is a hyper-local business, so we’ll leverage our network of local branch offices across the country to interview local investors and other rockstar real estate professionals. We’ll go behind the curtain to uncover the “why” that fuels them to hustle harder than the rest and learn what drives them to succeed and win against the odds in the market they call home. James Gaskin is an executive with Renovo Financial and has spent the last 10+ years helping build real estate lending companies to support local investors. At Renovo James focuses on growth strategy, sales talent acquisition, business development, and culture building. Renovo Financial is a leading lender for professional real estate investors. Our local branch offices across the US are led by experienced lending experts who provide our clients with tailored lending solutions using deep local knowledge and an elite network that professional investors count on to help push their businesses forward in all market conditions. Join us as we look beyond the sticks and bricks to get to know guests on a deeper level, and hopefully pull out some lessons and concepts that can help you on your journey to building a life of financial freedom using the incredible vehicle of real estate.

The Hustle Harder Show is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Hustle Harder Show, a business show with 27 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #25

  Private Lending in 2026: Competition, Credit, and Capital with Nema Daghbandan

  Aug 5, 20261h 5m

  In this episode of The Hustle Harder Show, James Gaskin sits down with Nema Daghbandan, CEO of Lightning Docs and partner at Fortress Law, to examine the private lending market through the first half of 2026. They discuss intense competition among lenders, changing RTL and DSCR volumes, rising leverage, pressure on rates, and loan performance. They also address the Kiavi-Figure transaction, potential industry consolidation, geopolitical volatility, and how AI is beginning to reshape private lending and business operations. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro and welcoming Nema Daghbandan 01:35 – Nema Daghbandan’s background and Lightning Docs 02:18 – Why competition among private lenders has intensified 05:09 – What the data says about RTL loan volume in 2026 11:47 – How access to borrower data is changing lender competition 16:03 – Building a differentiated lending model 17:00 – Credit discipline in an increasingly competitive market 20:25 – Why leverage can matter more than interest rate to borrowers 21:33 – Rising leverage and the risks it creates for lenders 25:10 – RTL and DSCR interest rate trends 30:23 – Pressure from rates, taxes, insurance, and rental markets 33:32 – Balance-sheet lenders vs. institutional approaches to risk 37:21 – What foreclosure data says about loan performance 41:02 – Delinquencies, securitizations, and increased loan-buyer scrutiny 46:17 – Breaking down the Kiavi-Figure transaction 52:07 – What could shape private lending in the second half of 2026 53:42 – Why strong underwriting fundamentals still matter 57:38 – The outlook for further industry consolidation 1:00:01 – How AI is beginning to reshape private lending businesses 1:03:12 – What to expect at the upcoming Fortra Law event Links Nema Daghbandan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nemadaghbandan Lightning Docs - https://lightningdocs.ai/ Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/ James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/

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  Episode #24

  Hometown Series Episode #4 - Jeremy Goldberg

  Jun 25, 202645 min

  Jeremy Goldberg joins James and Abbey for another episode of the Hometown Hustle Series to talk about his unconventional path from the restaurant industry to becoming one of the top loan originators in the country. Jeremy shares lessons from hospitality, building culture inside the Liberty Corridor, family values, New Jersey pride, and the importance of leading with authenticity and relationships. Key Points from This Episode 0:00 – Intro and welcoming Jeremy Goldberg 0:35 – Jeremy’s background and leading the Liberty Corridor 1:08 – From restaurant owner to real estate investor and lender 3:32 – “Cooking to closing” and Jeremy’s culinary roots 4:15 – Opening restaurants in Miami and lessons from hospitality 7:07 – How restaurant experience influences leadership today 8:39 – Competing in the New York/New Jersey lending market 10:36 – Renovo culture and building the Hoboken office 14:40 – The famous office money tree story 17:28 – Birkenstocks, jam bands, and personal style 18:34 – Jeremy’s glasses clip demonstration 20:47 – Family life, marriage, and raising two daughters 22:37 – Real estate market insights and lending discipline 29:16 – Challenges with excess capital in lending markets 30:25 – Building toward a billion-dollar Liberty Corridor market 31:32 – Scotsman Guide rankings and team success 33:17 – What actually annoys Jeremy 34:00 – Unique New Jersey culture and quirks 35:43 – Sopranos vs. Jersey Shore debate 37:16 – Bagels, pizza, and Northeast food opinions 38:51 – Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore stories 39:44 – Favorite Jersey Shore cast members 41:24 – Jeremy’s biggest role model growing up 42:15 – Books, shows, and why Ted Lasso resonates with him 43:27 – Final thoughts and wrap-up Links Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/ James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/ Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526

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  Episode #23

  Hometown Series Episode #3 -Brendan Ochinero

  Jun 11, 202638 min

  In this episode of Hustle Harder, James and Abbey sit down with Brendan Ochinero to discuss his journey from growing up in San Diego to becoming one of the top-producing lenders in the country. Brendan shares how an early career in renewable energy land acquisition unexpectedly led him into private lending, the coffee shop conversation that changed everything, and the lessons he learned working every side of the lending business before joining Renovo during the COVID era. The conversation dives into building a high-performing team in Southern California, what gives Renovo an edge in competitive West Coast markets, and why strong borrower relationships matter more than ever in today’s environment. Brendan also opens up about family life as a husband and father of two girls, balancing the intensity of lending with life at home, and what makes San Diego such a unique place to live and work. Along the way, the group talks surf culture, tacos, golf trips, dive bars, Cubs memories, and plenty of California lifestyle stories. Key Points from This Episode 00:00 – Welcome back to the Hustle Harder Show from Chicago 00:56 – Brendan’s San Diego upbringing and early career in renewable energy 02:06 – Learning sales, relationship building, and handling rejection 03:06 – The coffee shop conversation that launched Brendan’s lending career 04:43 – Learning every side of the lending business early on 05:51 – Joining Renovo during the COVID era 06:28 – Brendan’s relationship with Paul Shaughnessy and entering the industry 07:37 – Producing $245M in 2025 and ranking #5 on Scotsman Guide 09:02 – Family life, marriage, and raising two daughters 10:05 – Transitioning from work mode into dad mode 11:37 – Brendan’s morning routine and life with kids and dogs 12:54 – Surf culture and the San Diego lifestyle 14:08 – Building the San Diego Renovo office culture 14:54 – Brendan’s team structure and daily operations 16:19 – What gives their team a competitive edge in California 18:24 – Understanding San Diego real estate pricing dynamics 19:41 – Dream neighborhoods and ideal places to live in San Diego 21:11 – Brendan’s perfect Saturday in Del Mar 22:50 – Best tacos, burritos, and local San Diego food spots 24:41 – Cubs memories, Petco Park, and growing up around Chicago sports culture 26:08 – Childhood hero: Michael Jordan 26:49 – Podcasts, TV shows, and what Brendan is currently watching 28:47 – Favorite golf courses and memorable golf trips 30:51 – Renovo golf competition and team dynamics 32:05 – What top investors are doing differently in today’s market 34:07 – Scottsdale vs. San Diego nightlife debate 35:44 – Favorite dive bars and local hangout spots 37:00 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up Links Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/ James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/ Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526 Brendan Ochinero on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanochinero

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  Episode #22

  Hometown Series Episode #2 - Brandon Moulton

  May 21, 202634 min

  In this episode of Hustle Harder, James and Abbey sit down with Brandon Moulton, one of Renovo’s top multifamily lenders, to discuss his path from Toledo, Ohio to becoming a nationally recognized originator in real estate finance. Brandon shares how early experiences in development and banking shaped his career, why he transitioned into private lending, and what has kept him at Renovo for more than a decade. The conversation explores the current state of Chicago multifamily investing, the importance of focus and repeatable business plans, building strong borrower relationships, and the evolution of Renovo’s culture over the years. Along the way, the crew dives into family life, moving to St. Louis, favorite Midwest food stops, old Renovo stories, and plenty of laughs. Key Points from This Episode 00:00 – Welcome back to the Hustle Harder Show from downtown Chicago 00:44 – Brandon’s background growing up in Toledo, Ohio 01:57 – Early exposure to development work and discovering real estate 03:22 – Transitioning from traditional banking into private lending 04:19 – Brandon’s 2024 production numbers and multifamily lending focus 05:14 – Moving from Chicago to St. Louis and balancing both markets 07:01 – Parenting life with two young boys and family routines 08:13 – The legendary Wally’s gas station discussion 09:36 – Reflecting on Renovo’s early startup culture and hustle mentality 12:06 – Memorable moments from Brandon’s first days at Renovo 14:25 – The craziest site visit story from Brandon’s lending career 15:15 – Building and managing Brandon’s six-person lending team 18:05 – Brandon’s most overused phrases and pipeline meeting habits 19:05 – The current state of Chicago’s multifamily market 20:44 – The biggest challenges facing investors today 20:52 – Why focus is the defining trait of successful operators 22:03 – How Renovo supports repeatable business plans and experienced borrowers 24:13 – Strategic introductions, contractor relationships, and tax incentives 25:18 – Cubs vs. Cardinals and life between Chicago and St. Louis 26:50 – Books, routines, workouts, and balancing work with family life 29:03 – Debating who would win a foot race: Brandon or Eric Workman 30:31 – Chicago food takes, favorite snacks, and movie theater traditions 32:42 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up Links Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/ James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/ Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526 Brandon Moutlon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-moulton-7447519

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  Episode #21

  Hometown Series Episode #1 - Eric Workman

  May 7, 202644 min

  In the first installment of the Hometown Hustle series, James Gaskin and co-host Abbey Hearn sit down with Eric Workman, one of Renovo’s most tenured originators. Eric shares his journey from working in construction to becoming a top-producing lender, while helping his team approach $1B in originations. The conversation dives into what makes the Chicago real estate market unique, why it’s often misunderstood, and how consistency, relationships, and local expertise have fueled Eric’s success. The episode also explores team building, company growth, and what it takes to scale in a competitive lending environment—all with a dose of personality and rapid-fire fun. What You’ll Learn: Chicago is a highly resilient and often misunderstood real estate market. Success in lending comes from consistency, reliability, and strong relationships. Building a dedicated, in-house team improves both efficiency and client experience. In-person collaboration accelerates growth, training, and problem-solving. The best clients are long-term, professional investors seeking true partnerships. Local market expertise provides a major competitive advantage. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Hometown Hustle series and Eric Workman 2:05 – Eric’s background and entry into real estate 3:31 – Early days at Renovo and company evolution 5:03 – Approaching $1B in loan originations 6:40 – Building and structuring a high-performing team 8:51 – Delivering consistent customer experience and borrower loyalty 10:50 – Importance of in-person collaboration and team culture 13:15 – Scaling production and training new talent 15:55 – Chicago real estate market insights and trends 19:32 – Challenges and complexity of investing in Chicago 22:30 – Building a client base of professional investors 24:30 – Value of expertise and local market knowledge 26:05 – Transition from operator to lender 27:19 – Early exposure to real estate and career path 31:49 – Advice to younger self and betting on yourself 32:57 – Favorite Chicago neighborhoods and lifestyle insights 34:07 – Chicago food debate: pizza, hot dogs, and more 36:18 – Personal interests: bourbon, music, and podcasts 39:50 – Rapid-fire questions: movies, food, and fun facts 42:03 – Closing thoughts and series wrap-up Links Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/ James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/ Abbey Hearn on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-hearn-37aa7526 Eric Workman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-workman-1681996

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