These are the books and podcasts I keep coming back to. Some are directly tied to real estate and business. Some aren't, and that's kind of the point.

Books

10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

This one has genuinely shifted how I think about growth. The core idea is that 10x thinking can't be linear. If you just try to work twice as hard as you were working before doing the exact same things, you're going to get more of the same results. Real growth requires a completely different kind of thinking, an exponential mindset instead of just grinding harder.

I picked this up at a point where I knew I needed to change how I was approaching my business, and it came at exactly the right time.

The Overstory by Richard Powers

This one's a little different from everything else on this list, and I love it for that reason.

It's a novel that weaves together the stories of very different people, at very different times, in very different places, all connected through trees. There's a family that brought chestnut tree seedlings when they came to the United States and ended up with a grove in Iowa that survived a blight that wiped out every other chestnut tree on the East Coast. There are characters fighting to protect the redwood forests in the Pacific Northwest. The stories feel completely separate and then they don't.

It's not a real estate book. It's not a business book. But if you want to know who I am outside of work, this is a good window into that. Nature is a grounding force for me, and this book captures why.

Podcasts

Handsome with Tig Notaro, Mae Martin, and Fortune Feimster

Three comedians, one podcast, and genuinely one of the funniest things I listen to. What I love most about Fortune Feimster, who I've actually gotten to see perform live in Albuquerque, is that her humor is really smart. She doesn't get laughs by making fun of people. It's clever, warm, and just genuinely funny.

If you need something that makes you laugh without making you feel bad about laughing, this is it.

Terrestrials from NPR/Radiolab

Okay, yes, this is technically a podcast for kids. But it's made to be listened to as a family, and I find it completely joyful every single episode.

Each episode follows a different animal. The host, Lulu Miller (who is also one of the main hosts of Radiolab and a brilliant journalist in her own right), collaborates with a musician named Alan Goffinski who writes an original song for every single episode. There was one about squirrels that hibernate and wake up remembering nothing except who their friends are, and the song was in a Fallout Boy kind of style. I can't explain it. You just have to listen.

They also interview kids who are deeply passionate about the subject animal, and it is wholesome in the best way. My wife and I listen to this one on long drives, usually mixed in with New York Times podcasts and whatever else NPR is putting out.

I always learn something. I always smile. Highly recommend.

Final Thoughts

These are the things filling my brain right now alongside all the real estate work. Some of it is useful. Some of it is just good for the soul. I think both matter.

If you have a book or podcast recommendation for me, I'd genuinely love to hear it. You can reach out through the contact page or find me on Facebook.

I come alive in beautiful, quiet outdoor spaces. Especially the ones you have to work to reach. Whether I’m on a bike, hiking a trail, or climbing a rock face, something magical happens. The birds sing. I feel small in this incredible environment. Everything falls into perspective.

This isn’t just a hobby. It’s why I work so hard professionally. I want the freedom to experience more of it.

Photos

Here are some photos of me doing what I love most.

Childhood Treasures

My outdoor love started early. My family camped constantly when I was a kid.

One of my earliest memories happened on a hiking trail in Northern New Mexico. I found my very first wild strawberry. These berries are tiny—no bigger than your pinky nail. Finding one felt like discovering treasure.

They hide under leaves. They taste incredible. You can’t believe something so delicious comes from such a tiny plant. Those moments shaped my childhood. Watching hummingbirds. Playing in streams. Pure happiness.

Facing Challenges

Adventure brings challenges. I learned this on the Monarch Crest Trail in Colorado.

I was mountain biking when I hit a new river crossing. Just a single log cut in half. I got nervous and tried to stop. Bad idea. I fell three feet off the log bridge into the stream below.

I threw my arm out to avoid a big rock. My elbow got deeply bruised. I couldn’t squeeze my bike brakes anymore. We had to figure out how to get down with just one brake. Then navigate to the nearest Forest Service road.

Lucky for us, a local with a truck helped out. The experience taught me two things. Always be prepared. You can handle the unexpected.

Physical Fuel

My outdoor passion drives my fitness commitment. I want to do these activities for life. That means staying strong.

I lift weights two to three times a week. I focus on progressive overload and full-body movements. Deadlifts and squats are my favorites. This strength and cardio work isn’t just about health. It’s about keeping my body ready for the next adventure.

Conclusion

The outdoors taught me valuable lessons. Embrace challenges. Find joy in simple things. Appreciate the world around you.

Nature gives me both peace and excitement. I love sharing that with others. Taking friends mountain biking. Inviting them to rock climbing.

My advice for outdoor newcomers? Start small. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Remember to have fun.

Your goal is simple. Celebrate that your body is healthy and can move. Find what’s fun for you. Then get out there.

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I dreamed of building a life with greater financial and time freedom. The kind of freedom that lets you pursue your passions without constant worry about money. That vision sparked the idea for Bluetail Real Estate.

The business started small. I purchased my first rental properties: a single-family home and a fourplex. From there, it grew into something bigger—a mission to provide real housing solutions for people in our community.

Our Mission

At its core, Bluetail Real Estate is about creating win-win situations for everyone involved.

We specialize in finding properties in Albuquerque that need some care and attention. Then we transform them. We turn these properties into nice, safe, and comfortable places for people to live.

For homeowners and landlords, we offer a straightforward solution. If you’re looking to sell your property, we can help you skip the usual hassles. No dealing with agents. No paying hefty fees and commissions. No managing endless open houses.

We provide a better alternative. Whether you’re a landlord ready to cash in on your equity or a homeowner looking for a fresh start, we’re here to help.

A Real Challenge

This work isn’t always easy. Let me share a story that shows what we’re capable of.

I once had a tenant abandon a property completely. The situation was overwhelming. Turning that property around became a huge undertaking.

We had to bring in junk haulers to clear out all the abandoned belongings. Commercial cleaners came in to deep-clean every surface. The work was intensive, but we stayed focused.

Through determination and hard work, we got the property ready for market in just one and a half weeks. Within three weeks, we found a wonderful new tenant. Even better, they’re now paying more per month than the previous tenant.

This experience was a testament to our ability to handle difficult situations efficiently. We turned a major challenge into a success story.

Who We Help

Our work serves several different groups in the community.

First, we help homeowners who need a simple, fast way to sell their house. No complications, no lengthy processes.

We also work with landlords who are exhausted by what we call the “three T’s”—tenants, termites, and toilets. These landlords are ready to move on from property management, and we provide them an exit strategy.

On the flip side, we provide quality homes for renters. Many of our tenants are people who might become first-time homebuyers in the future. Right now, though, buying doesn’t make financial sense for them. By providing them with a great place to live, we’re helping build a stronger, more stable community.

Investing with Us

A huge part of our growth plan involves partnering with investors. But here’s the thing—I’m not just talking about big investment firms.

I’m talking about normal, everyday people. People who have money in a 401(k) or an IRA. People who have savings sitting in a checking account earning almost nothing. If you want to diversify your portfolio, we offer something different.

We give you a chance to invest in tangible, real assets. By working with us, investors can put their capital to work on specific projects. You’ll earn a solid return while being part of revitalizing homes right here in our city.

We can even explore creative financing options that offer tax advantages. This makes partnering with us a smart move for your financial future.

Conclusion

Bluetail Real Estate is driven by the desire to build something lasting. It’s about more than just business.

This company provides financial freedom for my family. It offers real solutions to homeowners who need them. And it creates genuine opportunities for investors who want their money to make a difference.

Every project we complete is another step toward that bigger goal.

If you’re a homeowner looking for a stress-free way to sell, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re an investor interested in putting your money into tangible assets that make a real difference in our community, let’s talk.

Contact me today. Let’s see how we can work together to create something meaningful.

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