42: Ditch the Banks: Private Money & Networking Secrets with Mike Hicks
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Tribe Builders
In this episode, Bryon Andrews — a former teacher turned real estate investor, landlord, and agent from Minnesota — shares how he transformed his life over the past seven years through curiosity, community, and smart investing. He dives into the value of partnerships, building a trusted network, creative deal structuring, and how being open-minded has opened major doors. Bryon also reveals a surprising book recommendation that helped him more than Rich Dad Poor Dad and explains why teaching others has become part of his mission. Follow & Connect with Bryon: Instagram @ Facebook @ ...
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In this episode of Tribe Builders, we sit down with Helen Lavigne, a short-term rental operator who’s turned a charming upstate New York summer camp into a weekend wedding destination with serious soul. Helen shares hard-earned wisdom from running a hospitality business that’s constantly evolving—balancing logistics, emotions, and high expectations. From building a resilient team to learning that you’re not meant to be everyone's "cookie of choice," Helen gets candid about finding your people, staying relevant, and letting the best things unfold naturally. Whether you're in events,...
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This week on Tribe Builders, I’m joined by Janice Thayer — a short-term rental owner, seasoned designer, and business veteran whose entrepreneurial journey began in the early ’90s. From launching her first design firm (and getting sued almost immediately!) to navigating divorce and rebuilding her career with intention, Janice brings the kind of real talk and resilience every business owner needs to hear. We dive into: The power of “pay to play” in masterminds and networks How to leverage your relationships when you think you have none What divorce can teach you about resilience...
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This week on Tribe Builders, I sit down with Amanda Cruise — mobile home park investor, commercial real estate pro, and co-host of the Best Ever CRE podcast. From a corporate job to serious cash flow, Amanda shares the mindset shifts, strategies, and mentorships that helped her go from celebrating $2,500 wins to not leaving the house for less than $40K. We dive into the importance of market selection, lessons learned in mobile home park investing, and how to intentionally build your tribe as you scale. Amanda’s story is packed with practical advice, raw moments, and unapologetic ambition...
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In this week’s episode of Tribe Builders, I sit down with Tracey Northcott of Tokyo Family Stays — a powerhouse in the short-term rental space with a deep, global perspective. We go way beyond hosting logistics to unpack what it really takes to build a scalable business, why curiosity should lead the way, and how shame, masking, and defensiveness can quietly stall our growth if we’re not careful. Tracey shares her journey of building a business in Japan, navigating cultural and real estate differences, and refusing to be boxed in by industry norms. We talk about the importance of...
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This week on Tribe Builders, we step inside Northbound Training in Little Canada, MN, with gym owner Marcus Eckert — a man who’s mastered the art of building a community people can’t wait to be part of. From only hiring coaches he’d trust around his own kids, to creating a culture where members cheer each other on like family, Marcus shares how intentional leadership turns a gym into a movement. We talk about what success really means, how to stay grounded through life’s ups and downs, and why the right relationships will make or break your journey. Whether you run a business, lead a...
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What happens when you stop trying to do it all on your own? Alicia Wright—aka the powerhouse behind Stacey St. John's STR Sisterhood—joins us to talk about the unseen lessons, unexpected mentors, and one $50K “learning opportunity” that changed everything. From battling “What will people think?” to proving age means nothing when it comes to success, Alicia drops gem after gem in this vibrant, laugh-filled conversation. This one’s real, raw, and ridiculously relatable. 🎧 Hit play—your next breakthrough might be one story away. Follow & Connect with Alicia: Instagram @...
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In this solo episode, Tanya reflects on the powerful takeaways from an in-person event with her coach—focusing on intentionality, frequency, and authentic connection. She explores how choosing to stay in high-frequency spaces with people you genuinely align with creates momentum, and how challenges are often invitations to grow. This episode is also a turning point for the podcast itself, as Tanya shares her commitment to even more intentional conversations that leave people feeling seen, heard, and valued. Follow Tanya: Tiktok @tanyarooneymn Instagram @tanyarooneymn Facebook @tanya.rooney28...
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This week on Tribe Builders, I’m joined by Arizona-based STR host and co-host Wendy Doris. We talk about how isolating hosting can feel, and why surrounding yourself with other hosts creates unexpected support and community. We imagine what a better Airbnb review system might look like—one that actually reflects what matters to hosts and guests. With a background in coaching—from gymnastics to house flipping to STRs—Wendy brings a teacher’s heart and a host’s perspective to every part of her business. This conversation is a reminder that being a great host isn’t just about...
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Getting Unstuck with Goal Setting & Accountability In this episode of Tribe Builders, we’re tackling one of the biggest things that holds people back: fear. Fear of showing up. Fear of being judged. Fear of not having all the answers. I unpack real conversations with business owners who hesitate to share what they do online—because what if someone questions them? We’ll explore how goal setting and accountability can break through that hesitation and how a coach (like me!) can help shift the mindset from perfection to progress. I also share why being attached to your actions—not the...
info_outlineIn this episode of Tribe Builders, Tanya Rooney sits down with real estate investor Mike Hicks to discuss the power of private money and strategic networking. Mike shares how bypassing traditional banks and leveraging private lenders can accelerate real estate success. He emphasizes the importance of getting in the right rooms—whether at local REIAs or through every day connections—to build relationships that lead to opportunities of all sorts. Through compelling stories and practical insights, Mike reveals how telling your story, asking the right questions, and rethinking the true cost of a 9-to-5 job can transform your real estate journey.
Follow & Connect with Mike:
Instagram @wanderchatt (the properties) @findyourrepurpose (Mike)
https://wanderchatt.com/. Check out their INCREDIBLE properties in Chattanooga + North Georgia
YouTube Mike Does on YouTube
Follow Tanya:
Tiktok @tanyarooneymn
Instagram @tanyarooneymn
Facebook @tanya.rooney28
youtube @tanyarooneymn
www.tanyarooney.com