In this video, James Kolde of Minnesota HomeGuys shares real, unfiltered advice on building and scaling a successful real estate business — from mindset and integrity to marketing, hiring, and adapting to a changing market.

James breaks down why authenticity matters in real estate, how being yourself leads to more deals, and why knowing how to pivot with the market is a non-negotiable skill for investors and business owners. He also explains the “burn the boats” mentality — committing fully with no backup plan — and why doing the right thing always leads to long-term success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Real Estate Mindset & Business Philosophy
-Why being authentic leads to more real estate deals
-How to pivot when the market shifts
-The “burn the boats” approach to entrepreneurship
-Why integrity matters more than quick wins
-The benefits of becoming a licensed real estate agent
-Learning from people already doing the business instead of buying from gurus

Scaling a Real Estate Business
-Why the focus has shifted to bigger wholesale deals
-Why good bookkeeping is critical for growth
-When to stop trying to do everything yourself and pay for experts
-Lessons learned going from firefighter to full-time real estate investor

Minnesota HomeGuys Business Model
-A full-service real estate company offering cash offers, wholesaling, contract for deed, and listings
-How the team went from a goal of 30 deals per year to nearly 200 deals in a single year
-Why licensing was chosen over franchising for expansion
-Current licensed markets including Knoxville and San Antonio

New Fix-and-List Program (2025)
-Helping sellers fix properties to get higher prices
-Investing up to $10,000 in repairs for qualified homeowners
-Equity requirements and how the model benefits both sides

Marketing, Team, and Operations
-Nearly $1M per year in marketing spend on TV and SEO
-Why direct mail still works (and why putting your dog on mailers helps)
-Door-knocking strategies for foreclosure leads
-Building a team of acquisitions reps, VAs, and business development
-Running a family-involved business
-Enforcing a no-drama culture
-Using Predictive Index testing to place people in the right roles

📲 Interested in learning more about licensing or mentorship?
Connect with our team here: homeguys.com/yt

Call us here: 612-268-1792

🔗 Connect With Us

Website:
https://www.homeguys.com/yt

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/homeguysusa

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570489073765

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRZdKG4PO88XSeXOTet05A

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@homeguys_usa

#RealEstate #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #realestateinvesting

📲 Interested in learning more about licensing or mentorship?
Connect with our team here: homeguys.com/yt

🔗 Connect With Us

Website:
https://www.homeguys.com/yt

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/minnesotahomeguys/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570489073765

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRZdKG4PO88XSeXOTet05A

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@homeguys_usa

#RealEstate #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #RealEstateInvesting