It's the "Christmas" season, and it feels different this year. Not in a loud, obvious way. In a quiet, almost unsettling way. Growing up, I always knew we would end up at my aunt's house and we'd swing by my Papa's house. Simple. Familiar. It came with an understanding of where I’d be—home with the family. My world was small but steady. As I got older, the focus became the kids, the house, and usually gifts for the kiddos Just a gesture that said, "Merry Christmas" with love. Now people ask, “What are you doing for the holidays?” And that question hits harder than it should. Because the honest answer is… I don’t know. Zoé was born in December and spent time in the NICU. Her 1st Christmas was in the NICU and I had a hard time splitting my attention between opening gifts with the family and wanting to get to her incubator and sit with her.... This year, she's 12 and I feel like I'm right back in that moment of what do I do for Christmas.... there’s no assumed rhythm. No Grandmommie or Papa. No shared moment with my first cousins that says, we still know each other in this way. Instead, there’s space. And space is emotional. It forces you to notice what’s missing. It makes you realize how much of your identity was wrapped up in times long passed. This year I've said I'm a Scrooge... we're not really celebrating. The tree is up but not decorated and that's not usually me. This year isn’t different because something bad is happening. It’s emotional because I'm acknowledging that something ended. And with it, the version of holidays I was used to. It's been slowly happening for 12 years.... But here’s the truth I’m leaning into: different doesn’t mean worse. It just means unfinished. This holiday isn’t about plans or parties. It’s about acknowledging that I’m standing in a transition. I’m allowed to feel a way. I’m also allowed to imagine a future where this season looks like something I want to take part in—not something that just happens around me. So if Christmas is quiet, that’s okay. I just have to convince my kids and grandkids.....

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Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope this week is filled with laughter and great memories with your loved ones. -Will Garner

The AI Revolution Across All Business Lines Artificial Intelligence isn't just a buzzword—it's a fundamental shift in how we operate across every sector of business. From real estate to insurance, tax preparation to credit repair, AI is breaking down silos and creating unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and profitability. Why AI Crosses All Business Lines: - Universal Data Processing: AI excels at analyzing massive datasets, whether it's property comps, insurance risk assessments, tax code changes, or market trends - Pattern Recognition: Machine learning identifies patterns humans miss, applicable to customer behavior, market cycles, and investment opportunities - Automation of Repetitive Tasks: Frees professionals to focus on high-value activities like client relationships and strategic decision-making - Predictive Analytics: Forecasts outcomes across industries—property values, claim likelihood, tax savings, market shifts - 24/7 Availability: AI-powered chatbots and assistants serve clients around the clock, increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction AI Use Cases for Real Estate Investors & House Flippers 1. Property Acquisition & Deal Analysis The Challenge: Sorting through hundreds of potential properties to find the hidden gems that offer maximum ROI. AI Solution: - Predictive Analytics Tools analyze MLS data, tax records, and market trends to identify undervalued properties before they hit the market - Machine Learning Models calculate ARV (After Repair Value) with 90%+ accuracy by analyzing comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and property features - Computer Vision assesses property condition from photos, estimating repair costs before you even visit the site Real-World Application: Upload property photos to AI platforms like Restb.ai or use Reonomy's AI engine to get instant renovation cost estimates and ARV predictions, cutting your deal analysis time from hours to minutes. 2. Renovation Planning & Cost Estimation

What's up, Empire Builders! 💪 Today I'm dropping some GOLD on you—the S.A.L.S.A Framework for Active Listening. This isn't just about hearing words; it's about building real connections that translate to better deals, stronger relationships, and MORE MONEY in your pocket. Here's the breakdown: 🎯 S – Secure Your Attention Listening starts by placing your focus where it belongs. Most of us try to connect by saying, "That happened to me too!" But often that just shifts the spotlight. - Notice when you drift from their story to yours - Recognize when empathy shifts to making matters about YOU - Drop distraction—devices, side thoughts, or the urge to prepare your next reply Goal: Be fully present, not just waiting to talk. ❓ A – Ask Good Questions Your questions reveal how much you care AND how well you listen. - Ask to understand, not to confirm - "Why?" can feel defensive—"What's most important about this for you?" hits different - Sometimes "Tell me more" is all you need Goal: Dig for the moment behind the speaker's experience, not just your own. 👂 L – Listen Twice as Much as You Speak If you're talking just long enough to answer, you're NOT listening. Real watching means letting silence breathe. - Pay attention to tone, pacing, and pauses - Resist the urge to fill every gap - Your attention wanders, return it—no need to apologize Goal: Carry your curiosity in the words before responding. 🔄 S – Summarize A quick reflection shows the other person they've been understood. - "What I'm hearing is..." or "It sounds like you're saying..." - Keep it short and honest, don't embellish - Check if you've captured meaning, not just words Goal: Confirm shared understanding before moving forward. 🤝 A – Assert a Point of View Listening doesn't mean silence forever. Once you've heard fully, your perspective adds value. - Offer it respectfully: "From my perspective..." or "Here's how I'm seeing it" - Link your point to what you've heard to show alignment - Speak to contribute, not compete