In this conversation, host Jacob Sapochnick sits down with Phillip Hwang, founder and CEO of KindredPM, to explore how AI is transforming property management. Phillip begins by sharing his journey from South Korea to the United States, reflecting on how his father’s tireless work ethic inspired him. He recalls the challenges of launching a startup, from navigating cultural differences in how business is done in Korea versus the US to building trust with property owners. Along the way, he highlights the importance of networking and how accelerator programs like Techstars accelerated his growth. Phillip also explains why academic grades matter less than real-world connections in the American VC landscape. He closes by offering advice to his younger self—focus on consistency, listen closely to customers, and let AI handle the heavy lifting, and lays out his vision for a fully autonomous AI property manager.

Follow Phillip Hwang's journey:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-hwang-kindredpm

In this conversation, Jacob Sapochnick and Halen Youles explore the cultural differences between Australia and the U.S., particularly in terms of work ethic and networking. Halen shares his journey of moving to the U.S. for work, the challenges he faced with visa complexities, and how these experiences led him to start his own business. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the unique aspects of navigating the U.S. immigration system as an entrepreneur. In this conversation, Jacob Sapochnick and Halen Youles discuss the intricacies of the E2 visa, the challenges and strategies of starting a business in the U.S., and the personal growth that comes from relocating. Halen shares insights on business planning, hiring, and transitioning from a service-based to a product-based business. They also explore the impact of family background on entrepreneurial decisions, the importance of independence in decision-making, and the future aspirations tied to visa status. Halen reflects on the lessons learned and the advice he would give to his younger self regarding career choices and the pursuit of success.

Follow Halen on his journey:
https://www.instagram.com/halenyoules

At the heart of many American startups is a journey that began long before a pitch deck or a first hire: the choice to build a life and a business in a new country. Visa to Venture follows these journeys with care and clarity, tracing how founders turn paperwork into possibility and ideas into companies.

Hosted by Jacob J. Sapochnick, an immigration attorney based in San Diego, California, serving clients worldwide. Jacob speaks with entrepreneurs, founders, and investors who are building in the United States while navigating the immigration system. Each conversation moves past headlines and hype to the steady work of applying, waiting, learning, and building. You will hear the practical steps, the tough tradeoffs, and the quiet wins that make real progress possible.

What to expect

• Straightforward visa stories tied to real companies and careers
• Plain-language explanations of timelines, options, and common pitfalls
• Practical lessons on funding, hiring, compliance, and sustainable growth
• Frameworks, resources, and next steps for immigrant-led ventures
• Candid, unscripted, conversations about the personal and business realities of starting up in America

New episodes every other week on all major podcast platforms. Learn more at h1b.biz.