In this episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Sam Sells, a former Air Force officer turned real estate visionary and founder of Impact Growth Capital. Sam shares his incredible journey from growing up in rural Oklahoma to transforming slums and distressed housing into clean, affordable communities that truly uplift people out of poverty. We dive into how he's using a for-profit business model to create massive social impact while delivering strong investor returns.

Sam breaks down how his team partners with public housing authorities, leverages government-backed funding, and integrates AI-powered tools to support tenants with access to education, job training, childcare, and more. If you've ever wondered how you can build a sustainable business that actually changes lives, this episode is packed with real-world strategies, inspiration, and actionable insights.

Timeline Summary:

[1:35] - Sam's humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma and how the military became his escape from poverty

[4:30] - From global health strategist to impact-driven real estate investor

[8:18] - Identifying the U.S. government as the biggest slumlord and seizing the opportunity to partner for change

[13:50] - How affordable housing becomes a launchpad for breaking the cycle of poverty

[18:05] - Building a 3-part system: housing, on-site services, and AI-powered support

[24:42] - The importance of aligning incentives to create sustainable impact

[32:10] - How Sam structures deals to attract foundations and mitigate investor risk

[40:55] - Simple yet powerful strategies to reduce crime in distressed housing communities

[45:30] - Taking the mission global and advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs

[52:00] - Sam's advice for founders: never give up, prioritize cash flow, and expect challenges at every level

Links & Resources:

• Sam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/
• Sam’s Website: https://impactgrowthcap.com/
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Closing Remark:

If this episode inspired you to think differently about business and impact, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the Patent Hacks Podcast. Your support helps us keep bringing on incredible guests like Sam. Share this episode with someone who dreams of doing well and doing good!