In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Riley welcomes a longtime friend and seasoned real estate professional, Fred Beasley. With deep roots in Central Florida, Fred shares his journey from managing vending machines at 13 to becoming a highly respected commercial real estate broker and investor.

Fred brings decades of experience in both corporate and independent real estate investing, including tenures at CBRE, Trammell Crow Company, and boutique development firms. He unpacks the lessons he learned from his ambitious, business-savvy mother and how early exposure to sales and operations shaped his investment mindset.

Tune in for a deep dive into Central Florida's dynamic real estate landscape—specifically the growth corridor between Orlando and Tampa. Fred outlines the evolving nature of these two powerhouse metros and the explosive development happening in Polk County, their connective tissue. He explains why investors are betting big on the region, how limited land supply and rising rental rates are driving values sky-high, and why Polk County has become a strategic hotspot for both residential and industrial development.

Fred also opens up about the shift from hands-on ownership to limited partnership investing, the pressures facing independent investors, and why he believes small-bay industrial developments may still hold untapped potential. With real-world insights, regional forecasts, and tactical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Florida real estate, value-add strategies, or understanding the broader forces reshaping commercial markets today.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or curious about where Florida's booming real estate market is headed, this conversation offers actionable takeaways and an insider's perspective on building wealth through real estate in America's fastest-growing regions.

Reach out to connect with Fred or to be a guest on the show to Susan

Next Steps

• Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/
• Let's connect on LinkedIn -
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-reilly-64150722a/
• Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, host Susan Reilly sits down with Carl Gould, founder of 7 Stage Advisors, whose entrepreneurial journey started at just 18 years old with a landscaping business—and a broken leg. From humble beginnings to mentoring over 5,000 businesses worldwide, Carl’s story is packed with unexpected lessons, strategic pivots, and game-changing insights.

Carl shares the early moments that shaped his success, including a pivotal realization that simply showing up gave him a competitive edge. He dives into the importance of business planning, how most companies—even million-dollar enterprises—operate without one, and why differentiation is essential for long-term growth. With his signature guarantee model, Carl turned industry standards on their head and charged a 35% premium, out-hustling competitors with clean proposals, fast turnarounds, and relentless consistency.

Susan and Carl discuss the origin of his entrepreneurial drive, rooted in a family legacy of self-starters, including his mother’s pioneering efforts in network marketing. Carl also opens up about relationship missteps in business, the cyclical nature of professional networks, and how he ultimately built a consultancy designed not just to advise, but to execute side-by-side with clients.

Discover why most businesses grow in 18-month cycles, how 7 Stage Advisors embeds with clients to drive results, and what makes a company truly investable. Plus, Carl shares personal passions—from his love of live events and outdoor adventures to a family tradition of annual polar plunges.

If you're a dealmaker looking to invest in or grow a business—or simply want to learn from someone who has helped thousands do just that—this episode is a masterclass in strategic thinking, operational execution, and entrepreneurial grit.

Tune in to learn how showing up, asking the right questions, and having a clear plan can take your business to the next level.

Reach out to connect with Bryan or to be a guest on the show to Susan

Next Steps

• Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/
• Let's connect on LinkedIn -
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-reilly-64150722a/
• Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.

In this episode of The Deal Scout, your host Susan Reilly sits down with Bryan Hancock, a born-and-raised Austin, Texas entrepreneur and investor, who shares valuable insights into one of the most overlooked but highly rewarding investment opportunities: oil and gas. Brian discusses how his upbringing, professional background in engineering and business, and decades of real estate experience have prepared him for success in this unique sector.

He explains why oil and gas investments—especially those involving fracking in areas like the Eagle Ford Shale—offer not only strong return potential but also significant tax advantages through Intangible Drilling Costs (IDCs). Brian also shares how he launched the Texas Freedom Fund to make these opportunities accessible to more investors, lowering the traditional entry point from $250,000 to $25,000.

Throughout the conversation, Brian offers advice for first-time oil and gas investors, discusses the real risks and returns in the sector, and explains why he believes global energy demand will only continue to grow. He also touches on personal milestones, including how life experiences like divorce have taught him humility and balance, and shares his passion for deal-making, family, and travel.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to alternative assets, this episode will open your eyes to opportunities you might have never considered—and show you how to take advantage of them.

Reach out to connect with Bryan or to be a guest on the show to Susan

Next Steps

• Share your thoughts with a review - https://www.thedealscout.com/reviews/
• Let's connect on LinkedIn -
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-reilly-64150722a/
• Subscribe and Watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQN_Y3nhDGClfMxCSBDjOg

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host, Susan Reilly, and any guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.

Susan Reilly is a licensed real estate broker, but this podcast is not a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor, legal counsel, and tax professional before making any financial decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided in this podcast.