In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with David Lecko, founder of DealMachine, for a deep dive into how he transformed a simple personal solution into a powerful real estate tech platform. We explore how DealMachine started as an app to automate mailing letters to property owners and grew into a comprehensive lead generation tool serving investors nationwide. David opens up about the pivotal moments, strategic missteps, and valuable lessons that helped shape the trajectory of his business.

We also dig into the mindset differences between beginner and high-level investors, the importance of execution over excuses, and why evolving with your market is essential for long-term success. From tactical marketing insights to culture-building strategies, David delivers a masterclass on scaling both a business and a team. Plus, he shares some under-the-radar data tips investors can start using immediately to land more deals.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[3:00] - The origin story of DealMachine and the failure that sparked innovation

[7:12] - From $0 to $12M: The growth curve of a bootstrapped SaaS business

[11:30] - The tipping point: Knowing when to go all in on the business

[18:30] - Strategic mistakes, scaling pain, and bouncing back

[24:00] - How David built a marketing engine and hit 3M views a month on social

[30:45] - Execution over excuses: Why blaming the market stalls growth

[33:00] - 75 Hard and the role of personal discipline in business performance

[36:30] - Creating a no-drama, high-performance team culture

[40:45] - David’s goldmine hiring strategy (including his unique paid project test)

[44:00] - Data-driven acquisition strategies working RIGHT NOW

[50:30] - Racing cars, relieving stress, and maintaining balance while building

5 Key Takeaways

1. Solve Real Problems – DealMachine was born out of David’s own frustration with not following up on leads. Solving your own pain point can lead to scalable business ideas.

2. Niche Focus Wins – Trying to serve everyone can dilute your value. The real traction came when DealMachine leaned into what early investors were already doing—driving for dollars.

3. Hire Through Action – David’s paid project-based hiring method offers a powerful way to evaluate talent in real-world conditions rather than relying on traditional interviews.

4. You Control the Outcome – Economic shifts happen, but David emphasizes that your performance as an operator matters more than market conditions.

5. Data is Your Edge – Strategies like targeting multiple-lot properties or filtering sellers by age can dramatically boost your conversion rates.

Links & Resources

• dealmachine.com

• The Great CEO Within by Matt Mochary

• 75 Hard Challenge by Andy Frisella

If this episode sparked an idea or gave you a new strategy to try, be sure to rate, follow, and share the Collective Genius Podcast. Your support helps us keep bringing high-level conversations and insights straight to your earbuds.

In this special episode of the Collective Genius Live Podcast, I sit down with Jeremiah Dalton just before he steps on stage at our CG Select event in Sarasota. Jeremiah, a high-end fix-and-flip investor from Long Island, opens up about his powerful journey of personal and professional growth—from navigating a crisis in 2022 to transforming himself physically and mentally, and becoming a more effective leader and marketer.

We discuss his early days joining Collective Genius during the COVID pandemic, the challenges he faced when the market shifted, and how CG helped him develop strategies to buy properties at the right price and build stronger relationships. Jeremiah also previews his impactful main stage presentation about how prioritizing health and self-care unlocked new levels of performance in his life and business.

This conversation dives into the mindset shifts that helped him soften his approach, expand his network, and make a meaningful impact on others—including inspiring fellow members to transform their own lives.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:35] - Jeremiah shares his background in high-end fix-and-flips and new builds on Long Island, New York.

[1:30] - How social media and friends led him to discover Collective Genius, and why CG Select was the perfect fit during the pandemic.

[3:20] - Lessons learned from CG: mastering marketing strategies to secure deals at the right price and evolving as a leader.

[5:46] - The story of the Go-Giver Belt and how toning down his aggressive style helped him connect better and provide more value.

[8:59] - Shifting from “punching people with value” to delivering insights in a way that others could actually absorb.

[10:09] - Jeremiah describes the rock-bottom moment in 2022 when multiple business and personal crises hit simultaneously—and how a decision to focus on his health became the catalyst for change.

[13:49] - How his physical transformation helped him lead by example, improve his brand, and deepen relationships with peers and clients.

[17:48] - Insights from Eric Brewer on unexpected market changes and the importance of staying adaptable, even at the top of your game.

[19:58] - Why a community like Collective Genius is essential for investors who want to surround themselves with like-minded, ethical, and growth-minded people.

[21:32] - Reflections on the value of engaging consistently with peers and leaders in the group to challenge assumptions and stay sharp.

1. The Right Relationships Multiply Results

   Building authentic, relatable connections within a trusted community can unlock opportunities that marketing alone can’t provide.

2. Personal Growth Drives Professional Success

   Investing in your health and mindset isn’t just self-care—it’s a strategic move that can dramatically improve your leadership, confidence, and resilience in business.

3. Stay Humble and Adaptable

   Even top investors can get blindsided by market shifts; staying engaged in a community of high-level peers helps you see around corners and pivot effectively.

• Collective Genius Membership Info – Learn more about CG Select and Elevate.

• CG Podcast – Subscribe and catch all episodes.

If you enjoyed this episode and gained valuable insights, please rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share it with a fellow investor who could benefit from Jeremiah’s story. We’d love to hear your feedback—visit our website or social channels to let us know what you think, and stay tuned for more impactful conversations!

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I had the pleasure of catching up with Caleb Pearson—real estate investor, software creator, and master delegator from Charleston, South Carolina. From closing short sales at the bottom of the market to building a diversified real estate empire, Caleb walks us through his entrepreneurial evolution. We explore his early success in retail, his bold leap into flipping and multifamily investing, and how mentorship and community shaped each step of his path.

We also dive into his latest ventures: creating a software tool that automates thousands of MLS offers and launching a lending fund that fills a crucial gap for local flippers. If you’re a wholesaler navigating new legislation, a retail agent looking to pivot into investing, or an operator trying to scale, Caleb’s story is filled with actionable wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:22] - From college basketball to Charleston real estate: Caleb’s unexpected career start

[5:19] - The mentor who saw potential and the lessons Caleb absorbed early

[9:58] - The $3,000 commission that revealed he was sitting on the wrong side of the table

[11:02] - Visiting top producers and joining CG: how Caleb fast-tracked his investment knowledge

[15:35] - The napkin math that made multifamily underwriting click

[20:44] - Buying the wrong type of properties: lessons learned the hard way

[24:00] - Why mobile home parks are now Caleb’s preferred asset class

[30:04] - Building a tool to automate 3,000 MLS offers—chaos and opportunity

[36:30] - Getting creative and softening lowball offers to build relationships with agents

[41:30] - Starting a private lending fund: where the idea came from and how it works

[44:00] - South Carolina wholesaling legislation and its ripple effect on the market

[47:01] - The cashflow lag from losing wholesale income—and how to prepare for it

[50:09] - Sticking to the numbers, no matter how tempting the deal looks

[51:05] - Delegation as a superpower: how 80% effort beats burnout every time

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Mentorship and execution matter more than innovation. Caleb credits his success to following a seasoned mentor’s guidance to the letter—and it paid off quickly.

2. Wholesaling and flipping require different cash flow strategies. With new legislation in SC, Caleb shares how losing wholesale income impacted his business and how he adapted.

3. Buy boxes are non-negotiable. Stretching beyond proven deal criteria almost always leads to problems—discipline protects your team and your bottom line.

4. Automation opens doors. The MLS offer tool Caleb built now helps investors uncover motivated sellers with less manual effort and greater reach.

5. Capital is raised through relationships. By joining country clubs and attending charity events, Caleb put himself in the right rooms—and raised millions by being consistent and trustworthy.

Links & Resources:

• Join the CG community: theCGPodcast.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review—and share it with a friend who’s ready to level up in real estate!