Jonathan Schultz

Hearing Mike share this reminded me what real leadership looks like. He had a mentor who wrote 50 handwritten notes every Friday—long before “marketing” was even a thing. That simple habit touched thousands of people. But the part that hit me most? When his mentor sat him down, asked what he wanted from his life, and then actually helped him get started in real estate. Moments like that shape entire careers—and it’s powerful to hear Mike reflect on his. Don’t miss the latest episode—packed with lessons on risk, timing, and the relationships that shape success. Watch the episode: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

Mike Tepedino went from Brooklyn roots to HFF to a $2B sale to JLL, then chose to start again. We talk risk first, thinking from loan workouts, the habits that compound, the call that changed his path, and why small notes still build big relationships. Tune in to this episode of my podcast for practical takeaways you can use today. You wouldn't want to miss this. Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode BL Next Blue Light Capital

I sat down with Mike Tepedino for a real look at building, rebuilding, and choosing to start again. We cover the shoebox of quotes, the handwritten note that opened a door, the Chinese restaurant meeting that helped spark HFF, leading through 2009 when revenue hit zero, the $2B sale to JLL, and why he stepped away to build again. Tune in to the latest episode of my podcast for clear lessons on risk, timing, and relationships. Watch the episode: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

On the podcast, I asked Michael Johnson, Ph.D., about his journey from scientist to author — and what struck me most was why he wrote this book. He’s seen firsthand how young fathers, especially millennials, are struggling in silence. The pressures are higher, community feels thinner, and comparison makes it worse. Instead of ignoring it, @MichaelJoh82712 decided to tackle it head-on — writing a book about how to balance all the dimensions of life and truly excel. As a host, I love when a guest brings not just insight, but a mission. This is one of those conversations. Watch Here: youtu.be/AcBFmooB9n0?si… #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Fatherhood #Leadership #Growth #Fatherhood #Resilience #Balance #Growth #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

What turns a kid from Brooklyn into a leader who builds and rebuilds big businesses, then starts over again by choice? Meet Mike Tepedino, Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Light Capital, whose path runs from six gritty years in loan workouts on the “what can go wrong” side of real estate became the foundation for everything that followed. We get into the leap to brokerage, the Chinese-restaurant meeting that set up HFF’s rise, and the 2019 sale to JLL for about $2 billion, where scale brought new tools and reach but also a fresh look at purpose and timing. Now Mike is building again with Blue Light Capital, stepping into an underserved middle-market bridge space in the roughly $15 to $50 million range, and pairing that with BLNext, a nonprofit that trains college and pro athletes for real estate careers with 150 hours of Excel and Argus plus one-to-one mentors who have walked the path. If you care about discipline, people, and timing, this conversation delivers hard lessons and practical wisdom with zero fluff. Watch the full episode to hear how Mike thinks about focus, why small habits like handwritten notes still matter, and what it takes to start again when everyone thinks you are done. Watch the full episode here: youtu.be/4iE_v7wMvWU #RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

Everyone hears that little voice of doubt: “Who am I to do this? What if no one cares?” It's not about whether it shows up; it always does. The difference is whether you listen to it. Instead of letting anxiety eat him up, @MichaelJoh82712 , shared how he takes a stoic, practical approach: -> Journaling his fears -> Writing out possible solutions -> Asking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” -> Choosing a path forward Looking back on those journal entries doesn’t just solve the problem in the moment—it builds a resilience muscle for the future. How do you quiet your inner critic? Watch now: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #Mindset #Resilience #Leadership #Growth #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

What if the call that could change your life came from a number you didn’t recognize? Michael Johnson almost ignored @NASA's call. That moment led him from small-town New Jersey to science labs, to building a multimillion-dollar startup from a basement, to leading innovation for an entire state. In this episode, we talk about the grit it takes to keep going, the moment he knew it was time to sell, and the lessons behind his new book 1% Dad. Watch here: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @RutgersU @MichaelJoh82712

Imagine running out of cash in 100 days, then turning it into a multimillion-dollar exit. Michael Johnson has been there. In this episode, he shares the high-stakes reality of building a company, the tough calls that come with selling, and the personal insights that inspired his book 1% Dad. We talk risk, mentors, mindset, and why dads need real conversations. Don’t miss this one. Tune in here: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @MichaelJoh82712 @NewJerseyII @NJIT

What if one phone call could completely change the trajectory of your life? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Johnson, a scientist turned entrepreneur, president of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and now author of 1% Dad. His story is one of relentless work ethic, fearless curiosity, and the ability to seize opportunity when it knocks, even if you don’t recognize it at first. From a childhood shaped by devoted parents and early struggles in school and sports, Michael shares how discovering the power of hard work in high school football set him on a path of discipline that has driven every chapter of his journey. We dive into the unlikely twists that brought him from building rockets in the driveway with his science-teacher dad to a NASA internship he almost ignored, to launching a biotech company out of a basement. Michael takes us inside the grit behind building Visikol, from hustling for early funding to convincing pharma giants to trust two twenty-somethings with their most guarded research, and the gut-wrenching challenges of keeping a startup alive through crises, including COVID, when business evaporated overnight. His decision to sell the company at its peak was equal parts strategic foresight and personal necessity, a move that proved wise when the market collapsed shortly after. Today, as President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute, he’s focused on helping founders get their ideas into the world and inspiring fathers to excel in both their personal and professional lives through his newly released book, 1% Dad. His book serves as a call to action for men to reconnect with their health, purpose, and presence at home, and Michael gets honest about the isolation, self-doubt, and quiet struggles many fathers face. He also opens up about the moments of vulnerability behind his successes, the mentors who shaped him, and the practical mindset shifts that have carried him forward. This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights that hit well beyond business. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate the unknown, protect your energy, and keep pushing forward when things get messy, this one is for you. Watch Now: youtu.be/AcBFmooB9n0 #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @MichaelJoh82712

“Instead of saying we've got to keep AI out of the classroom, I hope we're trending toward how do we use this tool that is here, whether we like it or not.” Dr. Patrick F. Leahy, President of Monmouth University Ever wondered what it takes to lead a university through a pandemic, launch game-changing campaigns, and still find time to chair the Bruce Springsteen Archives? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Patrick Leahy, President of Monmouth University, for a conversation packed with real stories, bold moves, and leadership lessons you won’t forget. From Baltimore beginnings to campus innovation, Patrick’s journey is proof that betting on yourself and your community can change everything. Listen now and get inspired! Watch Now: lnkd.in/eMARehpW #PatrickLeahy #MonmouthUniversity #BruceSpringsteen #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @monmouthu @BruceArchives @ChatGPTapp

What does real leadership look like when plans fall apart? In my latest conversation, I sat down with Dr. Patrick F. Leahy, President of Monmouth University, who opened up about the unexpected moments that shaped him. From a chance push to apply to Georgetown, to the curveballs that taught him more than any win ever did. Patrick discusses leading a campus through COVID, betting big on Springsteen’s legacy, and why colleges must stay ahead of the world’s changes, rather than trail behind. It’s a candid look at belief, resilience, and the real work behind creating a lasting future. Catch the episode and let me know your biggest takeaway. Watch Now: lnkd.in/eMARehpW #PatrickLeahy #MonmouthUniversity #BruceSpringsteen #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @netflix @BruceArchives

Patrick Leahy turned early doubts into big moves: from growing @monmouthu's impact to keeping @springsteen's legacy alive. It’s about tough calls, second chances, and building what lasts. New podcast episode up now, give it a listen! Listen Now: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0

What happens when you put a university president who's weathered pandemics, launched massive campaigns, and chairs the @BruceArchives in a room with great questions? Pure gold. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. @PatrickFLeahy President of @monmouthu, for one of those conversations that reminds you why leadership stories matter. Patrick takes us through his incredible journey from being the youngest of six kids outside Baltimore to running a $200 million university. We dive into the mentor who changed everything by pushing him to apply to @Georgetown (spoiler: he thought he'd never get in), the poetry class with the university president that shifted his entire career path, and those messy years when he tried business and finance before finding his true calling in higher education. But here's where it gets really interesting. Patrick shares what it was actually like stepping into the president's role just months before the pandemic hit, how he kept an entire campus community connected through weekly @Zoom calls that people still don't want him to stop and the bold moves he's made to position Monmouth for the future. We're talking about partnerships with @HMHNewJersey for healthcare programs, building out film and TV production right as @netflix constructs their massive studio two miles away, and chairing the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music. The conversation gets into the real stuff too. How AI is going to reshape education, why being someone others want to work with might be the most critical skill you can develop, and what it means to lead through uncertainty while staying true to your values. Patrick's energy is infectious when he discusses servant leadership, the importance of asking better questions, and how every twist in your career path ultimately serves you later. Patrick's story reminds us that the most successful leaders aren't those who follow predetermined paths, but those who remain open to possibility and aren't afraid to bet on themselves and others. It's a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what's possible when you combine authentic leadership with strategic vision and the courage to act on both. Watch Now: youtu.be/C6S45l-C-o0 #PatrickLeahy #MonmouthUniversity #BruceSpringsteen #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

Check out the Arbors in Parsippany Nj. We spent a lot of time creating the perfect spaces and amenities for our tenants !! instagram.com/p/DKaTl8dxrrm/…

On this episode of my podcast, I’m with Ed Russo, my good friend and CEO of @RussoDevelop , one of New Jersey’s top real estate firms. Ed shares behind-the-scenes stories packed with valuable lessons, starting with the unexpected ways childhood chores shaped his business mindset. But it’s not all serious. Ed’s love for fishing and family adventures on the water highlights how keeping life fun and balanced makes success even sweeter. 🎣 Listen now → youtu.be/B6vLw8yCMEM #EdRusso #RussoDevelopments #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

What happens when you bet it all at 24? That’s exactly what Ed Russo did. No fluff. Just a real story about building @RussoDevelop into one of New Jersey’s biggest players. We talked about how a surprise data center deal helped shape the company, how they brought life to overlooked neighborhoods, and why slowing down sometimes helps you speed up. This episode is full of solid advice, honest lessons, and moments you’ll want to replay. 🎧 Listen here: youtu.be/B6vLw8yCMEM #EdRusso #RussoDevelopments #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

“There's no reward without risk.” - Edward Russo, CEO of @RussoDevelop Ed Russo was 24 when he put every dollar he had into a real estate deal. No backup plan. No safety net. That move changed everything. In this episode of the Jon Schultz Podcast, we talk about risk, real growth, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. From childhood chores to data centers and thousands of apartments, Ed’s story is all heart and hustle. Hit play if you’re into honest business talk with a side of fishing and family time. 🎣 Listen now → youtu.be/B6vLw8yCMEM #EdRusso #RussoDevelopments #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

Imagine putting every dollar you've saved on the line for your very first business deal at just 24 years old. Could you handle that pressure? Ed Russo did, and it turned out to be the best decision he ever made. On this episode of my podcast, I’m with Ed Russo, my good friend and CEO of @RussoDevelop , one of New Jersey's top real estate firms. Ed shares behind-the-scenes stories packed with valuable lessons, starting with the unexpected ways childhood chores shaped his business mindset. Ed talks about how Russo Development accidentally discovered the huge potential in data centers, a lucky twist that skyrocketed their business. He also reveals why the company chose to build apartment communities in overlooked neighborhoods, transforming them and bringing new life to these areas. Get ready for some raw honesty as Ed walks us through a challenging project that nearly made him back down. Instead, facing his doubts head-on changed his entire approach to business and risk. But it’s not all serious. Ed’s love for fishing and family adventures on the water highlights how keeping life fun and balanced makes success even sweeter. Don’t miss Ed's practical, no-nonsense advice for anyone wanting to dive into real estate: focus on one thing, master it, and build step by step. If you’re curious how big decisions get made, how people stay grounded while chasing big goals, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, this episode is worth your time.

Preparation builds confidence. David Rubenstein emphasizes that success often comes from preparation and curiosity. Whether it’s preparing for interviews, meetings, or big decisions, being well-informed helps you engage meaningfully. For him, preparation isn’t just work—it’s a way of showing respect for others and yourself. David didn’t have a background in private equity when he co-founded The Carlyle Group. Instead, he leveraged people skills, humility, and a knack for bringing experts together. His success proves you don’t need to be the smartest—just the most resourceful. Explore David’s inspiring perspective on success and the pursuit of happiness in this insightful episode. Watch Episode Here: youtu.be/eIk5MK5FU48?si… #DavidRubenstein #PersonalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #SuccessTips #Learning #Entrepreneurship #Success #GrowthMindset #ProblemSolving #EntrepreneurAdvice #Innovation #Perseverance #GrowthHacks #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Podcast