In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Weimer, a real estate investor who’s breaking all the conventional rules. Ryan runs a high-volume investing business in Boise, Idaho—without ever having lived there. Now operating from London, he’s built a team and system that allows him to lead virtually, while scaling with precision and purpose. We dive deep into his origin story, including how a career in mechanical engineering, corporate layoffs, and a desire for autonomy all led him to real estate.

Ryan shares the powerful mindset shifts that helped him transition from a stable W-2 job to full-time investor, the challenges of operating seven time zones away, and the painful but pivotal lessons learned during a $1.2 million loss. This conversation is a masterclass on grit, leadership, and designing a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:27] - Ryan breaks down his Idaho-based business and the impressive volume of deals his team handles each year.

[7:18] - The surprising leap from engineering to entrepreneurship—and how pain sparked the journey.

[13:09] - Lessons from corporate project management that translated perfectly to real estate operations.

[20:27] - Why Ryan chose Boise over San Diego and how relationships shaped his market entry.

[22:55] - The early mistake of focusing on rentals before building the business foundation.

[31:17] - Living in London while running a stateside company—and how it really works.

[36:23] - The gut-punch of 2022’s market shift and the hard-earned lessons that followed.

[44:23] - Turning a massive development loss into a creative financing strategy that now generates millions.

[47:14] - How the Collective Genius community helped Ryan navigate tough times and scale with confidence.

[53:07] - Ryan’s bold 5-year vision to grow to $10M in revenue—and the leadership strategy to back it up.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Virtual Doesn’t Mean Ineffective – With the right team and systems, Ryan proves you can scale a high-performing real estate business without ever setting foot in your primary market.

2. Grit is the Real Superpower – Ryan attributes his long-term success to resilience and the willingness to persevere through the darkest moments.

3. Use Your W-2 to Your Advantage – Before leaving his corporate job, Ryan leveraged his lendability to acquire multiple properties with conventional financing.

4. Community is Crucial – The Collective Genius network was instrumental in helping Ryan bounce back from failure and continue evolving.

5. Cash Flow Isn’t King—Liquidity Is – One of Ryan’s biggest lessons: Having cash on hand often matters more than squeezing out every penny from a deal.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Collective Genius: https://thecollectivegenius.com/

• Connect with Ryan: https://weimerinvestments.com/

If this episode brought you value, make sure to rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast. Share it with a fellow investor who needs to hear Ryan’s story—you never know who it might inspire.

In this episode of the Collective Genius Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Jeff Nydegger, a dynamic real estate investor out of Chicagoland, to unpack his journey of building a resilient and values-driven business. Jeff and his partner Kevin have been at it for nearly two decades, and in this conversation, we dig deep into the lessons they’ve learned from both their wins and their challenges. From military discipline to Midwest grit, Jeff shares how he’s navigated market downturns, stayed laser-focused on his mission, and leveraged the power of mastermind groups like Collective Genius to sharpen his leadership and strategy.

We explore everything from business partnerships and team-building to market pivots and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to build a business that lasts or sharpen your execution after your next mastermind event, Jeff’s insights are a masterclass in what it really takes to succeed long-term in real estate.

Expanded Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Intorduction

[3:12] - Jeff’s roots in Iowa, his military background, and the unexpected path that led to real estate.

[7:05] - Early dreams, sports, and how a competitive spirit fuels business success.

[14:45] - How Jeff and Kevin built a 20-year partnership rooted in trust and clear roles.

[26:10] - The “real talk” about starting a business in the 2007 housing crash.

[34:50] - Why short sales became their breakout niche—and how they mastered it.

[42:30] - Designing a business for your life, not someone else’s blueprint.

[48:15] - Why clear vision + strong execution = scaling without burnout.

[55:30] - The power of mastermind groups and how Jeff filters information to avoid overwhelm.

[1:02:05] - Top leadership books and why Jeff swears by The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

[1:08:20] - How to connect with Jeff and his team—and his hilarious “Facebook jail” story.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is non-negotiable. Jeff credits his long-running partnership to mutual respect and never stepping into each other’s lanes.

2. Filter, focus, and execute. Mastermind groups offer endless ideas—but the real magic is knowing what not to act on.

3. Design YOUR business. Jeff reminds us that success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about aligning your business with your life values.

4. Leadership starts with you. Whether in the military or the boardroom, leading by example builds trust and lasting culture.

5. Stay humble, stay hungry. Even with nearly 20 years in the game, Jeff stays connected to mentors and peers, proving that growth is a lifelong journey.

Links & Resources:

• Jeff’s company: JeffBuysYourHouse.com

• Learn more about Collective Genius: thecollectivegenius.com

• Recommended reading: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Thanks for tuning in! If you loved this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your reviews help us reach more investors ready to scale with intention. Catch you next week for another conversation with a genius!