Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Aaron Hale, a former military EOD technician turned adventurer and real estate investor. Discover how he overcomes challenges like blindness and deafness to achieve extraordinary feats such as Badwater 135 and Kilimanjaro, and learn his insights on passive investing and personal growth.
Episode 18: The Sweet Shift into Real Estate Investing with Aaron Hale
What happens when life forces you to start again and you end up building a fudge business, buying rentals, lending to investors, and running some of the toughest races on earth?
In this episode of Save to Zero, co-hosts Mike and Zach sit down with Aaron Hale, a former military cook, Army EOD technician, fudge maker, real estate investor, lender, speaker, and extreme endurance athlete. His story is powerful, funny, and full of the kind of perspective that makes you rethink what’s possible.
Aaron shows how Extraordinary Delights started as “kitchen therapy” during one of the hardest seasons of his life. After losing his sight, hearing, and balance, cooking became a way to reconnect with joy, purpose, and other people. What started as homemade fudge for friends and neighbors soon became a real business.
But Aaron didn’t stop there. Once the fudge business started making money, he and his family began asking a bigger question: What should we do with this income? That led him into real estate investing.
Aaron talks honestly about underestimating the rehab budget, learning the hard way, and still making the deal work. From there, he moved into rentals, short-term rentals, BRRRR projects, and eventually private lending and more passive investment options.
Partnership is a key to Aaron’s success. He shares how much of his life depends on finding the right people, whether he’s running, climbing mountains, kayaking, or investing in real estate. For him, building a team isn’t optional.
“Kitchen therapy turned into a business.”
“You take the active money, and you do passive things with it.”
“Blind or not, I still need a team.”
“The more hands-off you get, the less return you’re going to get for yourself.”
Aaron Hale is a former Army EOD technician who lost his vision and hearing after a catastrophic illness following combat deployments. Rather than retreat from life, he rebuilt it.
Aaron became the first deaf-blind athlete to complete the Badwater 135, the toughest foot race on earth, and most recently ran from the coast of Africa to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a historic sea-to-summit expedition.
Today, he speaks to leaders and teams about resilience, adaptation, and performing when circumstances are far from ideal.
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Find Aaron Hale on Instagram | LinkedIn
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[00:00.2] Here's the thing about everything from the fudge Here's the thing about everything from the fudge business to me, like, running real estate is, business to me, like, running real estate is, and there's two sides of this coin. and there's two sides of this coin. I basically, I need somebody to help me I basically, I need somebody to help me with almost everything, every aspect of my life, with almost everything, every aspect of my life, even when it comes down to staying fit.
[00:14.6]
even when it comes down to staying fit. It was really not in my best interest to just lace It was really not in my best interest to just lace up and step out the front door for a run. up and step out the front door for a run. It's not as healthy as you would think. It's not as healthy as you would think. I got to find a teammate. I got to find a teammate. I have to find somebody to run with. I have to find somebody to run with. And you could say, like, I have And you could say, like, I have to, or there's a, I get to.
[00:30.6]
to, or there's a, I get to. I get to run with somebody. I get to run with somebody. I got a running partner every time I go I got a running partner every time I go out on the road, every aspect of my life, out on the road, every aspect of my life, including real estate, and that there's a thing is, including real estate, and that there's a thing is, blind or not, I still need a team.
[00:43.1]
blind or not, I still need a team. Most people think saving money is the answer, but Most people think saving money is the answer, but the truth is saving only gets you to zero. the truth is saving only gets you to zero. Join Mike and Zach as they flip the script Join Mike and Zach as they flip the script from Saving to earning from zero to unlimited potential.
[00:56.4]
from saving to earning from zero to unlimited potential. Welcome to Save to Zero. Welcome to Save to Zero. Okay, everybody, welcome to episode number 18 Okay, everybody, welcome to episode number 18 of the Save to Zero podcast. of the Save to Zero podcast. I am excited as all get out because I am excited as all get out because we get to speak with Aaron Hale.
[01:13.4]
we get to speak with Aaron Hale. I've known Aaron for a couple of years now. I've known Aaron for a couple of years now. We originally met, through Facebook. We originally met, through Facebook. We've communicated multiple times. We've communicated multiple times. I like to do some adventure stuff, and as I like to do some adventure stuff, and as much as I like to do it, he kicks much as I like to do it, he kicks my butt and he makes me look like a.
[01:27.8]
my butt and he makes me look like a. He makes me look like a couch potato. He makes me look like a couch potato. So I'm actually making it look like, sound, like So I'm actually making it look like, sound, like I wanted him on the podcast for other people. I wanted him on the podcast for other people. I want him on the podcast for I want him on the podcast for me to motivate me some more. me to motivate me some more. And this is a way to get to talk to him And this is a way to get to talk to him one on one with my partner, with the three of us.
[01:44.4]
one on one with my partner, with the three of us. So this is going to be exciting. So this is going to be exciting. Aaron, welcome. Aaron, welcome. And thank you very much for your time. And thank you very much for your time. We appreciate you coming on with us today. We appreciate you coming on with us today. Well, yeah, I'm really excited to be on and Well, yeah, I'm really excited to be on and this new platform of yours, and getting to speak this new platform of yours, and getting to speak with you anyways is always a treat.
[01:57.6]
with you anyways is always a treat. Talking about, adventure, you're going to be Talking about, adventure, you're going to be basically climbing Mount Everest in Sun Valley. basically climbing Mount Everest in Sun Valley. So, I mean, that's not. So, I mean, that's not. That doesn't sound like much of a, you That doesn't sound like much of a, you know, like, being a slacker by any means.
[02:10.8]
know, like being a slacker by any means. Well, I appreciate the kind words, but, what we Well, I appreciate the kind words, but, what we have to do is that that event you're referring have to do is that that event you're referring to is Everesting 29029, Jesse Itzler's event. to is Everesting 29029, Jesse Itzler's event. And we'll be going up the mountain, the And we'll be going up the mountain, the ski hill, 15 times in 36 hours.
[02:26.4]
ski hill, 15 times in 36 hours. And cumulatively, we'll reach the height of, Everest. And cumulatively, we'll reach the height of, Everest. But honestly, it's not quite Everest, But, honestly, it's not quite Everest, but it sounds good anyway. but it sounds good anyway. It impresses people. It impresses people. So, Aaron, let's kind of dive in.
[02:38.5]
So Aaron, let's kind of dive in. Can you give US A, 50,000 foot view of your background? Can you give US A, 50,000 foot view of your background? I know you're former, military. I know you're former, military. I know that, you've got a wife and kids. I know that, you've got a wife and kids. I know you've done some crazy stuff like Badwater135.
[02:51.3]
I know you've done some crazy stuff like Badwater135. I know you just came back from Killy because I know you just came back from Killy because I was watching that in your Facebook, feed. I was watching that in your Facebook, feed. So I know I just threw a whole lot at you. So I know I just threw a whole lot at you. Give us a 50,000 foot overview. You got it.
[03:03.9]
Give us a 50,000 foot overview. You got it. Well, you know, my life is like the definition of adhd. Well, you know, my life is like the definition of adhd.
[03:15.0]
I, am the blindest guy with I am the blindest guy with shiny object syndrome, I guess. shiny object syndrome, I guess. But, I was kind of the all American slacker But I was kind of the all American slacker when I was growing up as a kid in when I was growing up as a kid in Ohio, I didn't have a whole lot of ambition.
[03:28.5]
Ohio, I didn't have a whole lot of ambition. I was really happy and complacent, really went, to college not I was really happy and complacent, really went to college not knowing what the heck I was going to be doing and knowing what the heck I was going to be doing and kind of just went for Animal House and I found it. kind of just went for Animal House and I found it. So after a few semesters they So after a few semesters they kind of invited me to leave. So. Okay.
[03:46.5]
kind of invited me to leave. So. Okay.
[03:53.5]
It was really embarrassing. It was really embarrassing. I mean, I mean that was a shame. I mean, I mean that was a shame. It was, it was a swift kick in the pants. It was, it was a swift kick in the pants and that slap, in the face of reality And that slap, in the face of reality, I I needed to make something out of my life. needed to make something out of my life. So, I mean, my entire life, 18.
[04:06.9]
So, I mean my Entire life, 18, my entire life. My entire life. I, absolutely knew up until about a month before I absolutely knew up until about a month before enlisting that I'd never be in the military. enlisting that I'd never be in the military. That just wasn't my deal. That just wasn't my deal. But then college, it was a huge fail.
[04:21.9]
But then college, it was a huge fail. So I joined the Navy as a cook because I loved to cook. So I joined the Navy as a cook because I loved to cook. I thought I might try my hand at becoming a chef. I thought I might try my hand at becoming a chef. And I decided I'd get the ojt, get the And I decided I'd get the ojt, get the GI Bill, earn, you know, that like, you know, GI Bill, earn, you know, that like, you know, the internal values, hard work, work ethic, pride and the internal values, hard work, work ethic, pride and accomplishment, all that kind of stuff.
[04:49.2]
accomplishment, all that kind of stuff. And I accidentally picked up, the external values And I accidentally picked up the external values and duty, service, you know, working with a and duty, service, you know, working with a team and something bigger than myself. team and something bigger than myself. Anyhow, four years now turned into 13, almost Anyhow, four years now turned into 13, almost 14 years and I went from Navy cook 14 years and I went from Navy cook to army bomb squad because that makes sense.
[05:08.6]
to army bomb squad because that makes sense.
[05:14.3]
I was cooking. I was cooking, I was cooking for a three star I was cooking for a three star admiral in admiral in Italy, touring all over Mediterranean and Europe and Italy, touring all over Mediterranean and Europe and, learning learning the language and definitely not a hardship. the language and definitely not a hardship. Dirty. Dirty. And then two wars happened and I And then two wars happened and I got all those internal and external values got all those internal and external values and I just wasn't being challenged.
[05:36.5]
and I just wasn't being challenged. And I decided that I needed to do something. And I decided that I needed to do something, serve better. Serve better. And that's when I joined the army, Became And that's when I joined the army, became an EOD technician, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, deployed to, an EOD technician, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, deployed to, Afghanistan, then Iraq, then Afghanistan again.
[05:50.8]
Afghanistan, then Iraq, then Afghanistan again. And, I was injured. And, I was injured. An IED blasted my eyes, sent me to An IED blasted my eyes, sent me to Walter Reed, where I was recovering and, changed Walter Reed, where I was recovering and changed, my whole life, in many, many ways.
[06:08.3]
my whole life in, many, many ways. Not just going blind, but, in perspective in life Not just going blind, but, in perspective in life and growth and maturity and all of that. and growth and maturity and all of that. So, I did what anybody in my situation So, I did what anybody in my situation would do, and I started whitewater kayaking.
[06:28.9]
would do, and I started whitewater kayaking.
[06:36.3]
Where did you start whitewater kayaking? Where did you start whitewater kayaking? Well, actually, the truth is, before I'd even left the Well, actually, the truth is, before I'd even left, the hospital, somebody had asked me, you know, I'm blind. hospital, somebody had asked me, you know, I'm blind. I'm kind of in the down the dumps. I'm kind of in the down the dumps. And somebody asked me, hey, you want to go golfing? And somebody asked me, hey, you want to go golfing? I'm like, come on, you're messing with me.
[06:51.0]
I'm like, come on, you're messing with me. Golfing. I'm blind. Golfing. I'm blind. And apparently, blind is a. And, apparently, blind is a. Blind. Blind golf is a real thing. Interesting. Yeah.
[07:02.8]
Golf is a real thing. Interesting. Yeah. Instead of a caddy, you got a, coach. Instead of a caddy, you got a, coach. And the coach you like, they use all And the coach, you like, they use all the real PGA tour rules and all that. the real PGA tour rules and all that. The coach just grabs the head of the club, you tee The coach just grabs the head of the club, you tee up, and then the coach places the club behind the ball, up, and then the coach places the club behind the ball, and then you line up on the club, not the ball.
[07:25.4]
and then you line up on the club, not the ball. Anyhow, then somebody came. Anyhow, then somebody came. The same guy comes in, you know, is The same guy comes in, you know, is a recreational therapist, and he says, hey, you a recreational therapist, and he says, hey, you want to go for a bike ride? want to go for a bike ride? I'm like, okay, come on, now you're messing with me.
[07:38.6]
I'm like, okay, come on, now you're messing with me. But of course, tandem cycling is But of course, tandem cycling is a Paralympic sport and very serious. a Paralympic sport and very serious. Also, I started cycling, and then I Also, I started cycling, and then I was learning how to be blind.
[07:51.3]
was learning how to be blind. So all the accessibility stuff and the So all the accessibility stuff and the text to speech software, the phones, the text to speech software, the phones, the computer, it's incredible, the technology today. computer, it's incredible, the technology today. And as soon as I learned how to And as soon as I learned how to get onto the Internet, I was doing Blind get onto the Internet, I was doing Blind plus outside, Blind plus fitness, Blind plus whatever.
[08:09.5]
plus outside, Blind plus Fitness, Blind plus whatever. Because I was terrified of being stuck on Because I was terrified of being stuck on the couch and confined by my disability. the couch and confined by my disability. And a couple names kept popping up, like, Eric Weinmayer And a couple names kept popping up, like, Eric Weinmayer is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest.
[08:24.4]
is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. So I found him. So I found him. I went mountain climbing with him. I went mountain climbing with him. And Lonnie Bedwell, another Navy veteran, was And Lonnie Bedwell, another Navy veteran, was the first blind person to, kayak the the first blind person to, kayak the entire Grand Canyon in a solo boat.
[08:41.8]
entire Grand Canyon in a solo boat. Holy cow. Wow. Holy cow. Wow. I went kayaking with him. I went kayaking with him. Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, these. So, I mean, these. I found mentors. I found mentors, I found people who had already done it. I found people who had already done it. I wasn't blazing any new trail, and I wasn't blazing any new trail, and I just did what they did.
[08:58.8]
I just did what they did. And, from 2011, when I was injured to about. And from 2011, when I was injured, to about. For 2015, I got to go For 2015, I got to go mountain climbing and whitewater kayaking. mountain climbing and whitewater kayaking. I went skydiving skiing. I went skydiving skiing. You should see me skiing.
[09:14.5]
You should see me skiing. It's about me. It's about me. Blind skiing is about as good as me sighted skiing. Blind skiing is about as good as me Sighted skiing. But all the same I was But all the same, I was running marathons. running marathons, and I was just. And I was just. I was again, I don't know if it was driven by I was again, I don't know if it was driven by adventure or that sheer terror of the couch, but whatever it adventure or that sheer terror of the couch, but whatever it was, I was getting out there and doing stuff.
[09:37.4]
was, I was getting out there and doing stuff. And people were asking me how I could have And people were asking me how I could have such a optimistic look on life after what happened. such a optimistic look on life after what happened. And they would invite me onto their stages And, they would invite me onto their stages and I would tell them the story.
[09:50.7]
and I would tell them the story. And then in 2015, a complication from my injury. And then in 2015, a complication from my injury.
[10:03.8]
I had a cracked skull from the blast. I had a cracked skull from the blast. And they patched it up, but And they patched it up, but I guess it wasn't completely patched. I guess it wasn't completely patched. So, a path out. I was. So, a path out I was. Was a pathway in. Was a pathway in. And I. And I. I contracted bacterial meningitis. Oh.
[10:15.5]
I contracted bacterial meningitis. Oh. And that put me back in the hospital. And that put me back in the hospital. It actually came closer to killing It actually came closer to killing me than bomb blast did. me than bomb blast did. But interesting. But interesting. On its way out, it took the rest On its way out, it took the rest of my of my hearing that the blast hadn't taken.
[10:30.2]
hearing that the blast hadn't taken, and my inner ear, And my inner ear, gyro, the vestibular gyro, the vestibular balance, they were left with that too. balance, they were left with that too. So I came home totally So I came home totally blind, totally deaf, and, imbalanced.
[10:41.4]
blind, totally deaf, and, imbalanced. You could already tell that before. You could already tell that before. But, I was in a wheelchair. But, I was in a wheelchair. And, you know, I was sitting there like my breakfast And, you know, I was sitting there like my breakfast bar, holding on to the countertop with GI Joe Kung bar, holding on to the countertop with GI Joe Kung Fu Grip, because I would fall off the stool otherwise.
[11:02.1]
Fu Grip, because I would fall off the stool otherwise. And I was right back in that awful place thinking about And I was right back in that awful place thinking about how I can't do this or I can't do that anymore. how I can't do this or I can't do that anymore. My life is over. My life is over. So I did what anybody would do in my situation. So I did what anybody would do in my situation. I started a fudge company.
[11:16.9]
I started a fudge company. You're gonna have to go into a little You're gonna have to go into a little more detail about the fudge company we were more detail about the fudge company we were talking about before we started recording. talking about before we started recording. I'm gonna ask you a question, though. I'm gonna ask you a question, though. I definitely wanna go to the fudge company.
[11:30.3]
I definitely wanna go to the fudge company. I definitely wanna look at that. I definitely wanna look at that. But I wanna back up a little bit. But I wanna back up a little bit. Were you always, an adventurous individual or Were you always, an adventurous individual or a person that wanted to challenge yourself? a person that wanted to challenge yourself? The reason I asked that, because to go from a cook The reason I asked that, because to go from a cook to EOD seems to me to be a significant change.
[11:44.3]
to EOD seems to me to be a significant change. And is it something that you always were trying new And is it something that you always were trying new things like that, or did that just come about, when things like that, or did that just come about, when you decided to serve a little bit more? you decided to serve a little bit more? It's funny you would ask that.
[12:00.1]
It's funny you would ask that. It's actually a really great question It's actually a really great question because I always catch these. because I always catch these. These glimpses of what you have, that These glimpses of what you have, that potential everybody told me I had. potential everybody told me I had. You know, that's like the best put down You know, that's like the best put down ever is like, you've got so much potential.
[12:17.1]
ever is like, you've got so much potential. That was me in my childhood, my young adult life. That was me in my childhood, my young adult life. And my sophomore summer of high school. And my sophomore summer of high school. I'd raised enough money by selling arts I'd raised enough money by selling arts and crafts like Christmas decor, little wreaths and crafts like Christmas decor, little wreaths and Christmas Trees, the teacher's lounge.
[12:36.2]
and Christmas trees, the teacher's lounge. To send myself to Australia for To send myself to Australia for New Zealand for three weeks. Good for you. That's cool. New Zealand for, three weeks. Good for you. That's cool. I love it. I love it. So you've always had the entrepreneurial spirit and So you've always had the entrepreneurial spirit and then the desire to travel. Am I correct?
[12:52.8]
then the desire to travel, Am I correct? Yeah, I love to travel. Yeah. Yeah, I love to travel. Yeah. And I love the entrepreneur stuff. And I love the entrepreneur stuff. But I would plateau, right? But I would plateau, right? I would, like. I would, like. I would reach a. I would reach a, like, reach a certain level or, you Like, reach a certain level or, you know, like know, like a finish line and go, okay, I made it.
[13:06.7]
a finish line and go, okay, I made it. I'm done. I'm done. I got it. That was awesome. That was hard. I got it. That was awesome. That was hard. I don't want to do that again. I don't want to do that again. But it was cool, you know what I mean? But it was cool, you know what I mean? So I didn't, have the. So I didn't, have the. That diligence, the dedication, the discipline to That diligence, the dedication, the discipline to continue doing that level of work. I would.
[13:23.8]
continue doing that level of work. I would. I would, do something. I would, do something. Then I would sit back and relax and Then I would sit back and relax and get complacent until, you know, I was, you get complacent until, you know, I was, you know, bored or depressed or something. know, bored or depressed or something. But, like, even in the military, I, I But, like, even in the military, I, I, was placed in leadership roles way before I was placed in leadership roles way before I ever wanted to or even asked.
[13:46.6]
ever wanted to or even asked. They always just give me a new rank They always just give me a new rank and put me in charge of some people. and put me in charge of some people. I'm like, wait, is a guy me? I'm the. I'm like, wait, is a guy me? I'm the. I'm the slacker guy? I'm the slacker guy? That's funny. But. That's funny. But. But then I would grow into it, But then I would grow into it, and then I'd get comfortable again.
[14:02.2]
and then I'd get comfortable again. I'm like, all right, that was good enough. I got it. I'm like, all right, that was good enough. I got it. I got this. This is good right here. I like it. I got this. This is good right here. I like it. And then do it again. And then do it again. But, in fact, even the fudge business, But, in fact, even the fudge business, you know, that there was something different you know, that there was something different that was, That was like kitchen therapy.
[14:17.5]
that was, That was like kitchen therapy. So what made you go into. So what made you go into. What made you pick fudge? What made you pick fudge? I know that you said you were a cook, so is that. What. I know that you said you were a cook, so is that. What. Did you have a recipe when you were in the military? Did you have a recipe when you were in the military? Is this something that you came up with? A family thing?
[14:31.4]
Is this something that you came up with? A family thing? Truth is, I never really much liked fudge. Truth is, I never really much liked fudge. All that. All that, definitely not the traditional stuff. Definitely not the traditional stuff. But, I did love to cook. But, I, did love to cook. And I love put in place And I love put in place in smiles on other people's faces.
[14:47.0]
in smiles on other people's faces. And if you can imagine, I mean, And if you can imagine, I mean, I was just back from the hospital. I was just back from the hospital. It was getting into the, holidays, and I needed It was getting into the, holidays, and I needed to get my mind off of what I'd lost.
[15:03.4]
to get my mind off of what I'd lost. I was trapped in my body. I was trapped in my body. I was so isolated and lonely in there. I was so isolated and lonely in there. And my whole life, the whole And my whole life, the whole world ended at my fingertips. world ended at my fingertips. It was silent and dark.
[15:18.1]
It was silent and dark. It was like, sensory deprivation. It was like, sensory deprivation. It was sensory theft. It was sensory theft. But, I knew that I could cook. But, I knew that I could cook. I had that muscle memory. I had that muscle memory. And the holidays were coming, so I just started.
[15:31.2]
And the holidays were coming. So I just started. We invited everybody. We invited everybody. We were gonna invite a whole We were gonna invite A whole family from all over the country. family from all over the country. Friends, neighbors, whatever. Even. Friends, neighbors, whatever. Even. Cause I'm close to the EOD schoolhouse, you know, Cause I'm close to the EOD schoolhouse. You know, in the military, some younger guys, in the military, some younger guys, they're at.
[15:47.4]
they're at, you know, they get stranded on You know, they get stranded on the the base during, like, a base shutdown. Everybody goes. base during, like, a base shutdown. Everybody goes. It's like an exodus for the holidays. It's like an exodus for the holidays. But some don't have leave days, don't have, enough But some don't have leave days, don't have, enough money saved up to travel back to their families. money saved up to travel back to their families. So we invite them over here.
[16:01.9]
So we invite them over here. So it was going to be this huge So it was going to be this huge feast, and I started cooking weeks in advance. feast, and I started cooking weeks in advance. We did like, a turkey in the oven, turkey We did like, a turkey in the oven, turkey in the smoker, turkey in the deep fryer. We, did. in the smoker, turkey in the deep fryer. We did. I turned every vegetable I turned every vegetable into something super unhealthy.
[16:18.4]
into something super unhealthy. You know, the cakes, pies, cookies. You know, the cakes, pies, cookies. I just baked and was cooking and just I just baked and was cooking and just put it in the freezer till the day. put it in the freezer till the day. And the fudge was, I have, like, a base recipe, And the fudge was, I have, like, a base recipe, and I could just change the flavors and ingredients.
[16:33.4]
and I could just change the flavors and ingredients. So it was like, okay, we did this with the So it was like, okay, we did this with the peanuts and whatever, and then we move that to the peanuts and whatever, and then we move that to the side, and it would just start another batch and go side, and it would just start another batch and go to the spice cabinet and this, that, and go to to the spice cabinet and this, that, and go to the liquor cabinet and come in there a little here.
[16:46.9]
the liquor cabinet and come in there a little here.
[16:52.8]
And my girlfriend, at the time, my And my girlfriend, at the time, my wife now, said she noticed two things. wife now, said she noticed two things. One was, a smile on my face. One was, a smile on my face. This was like six months after the meningitis.
[17:04.5]
This was like six months after the meningitis. And that was the first time she'd seen And that was the first time she'd seen me smile since because of all of that. me smile since because of all of that. But I was having fun. But I was having fun. I was cooking, and I was excited for the holiday. I was cooking, and I was excited for the holiday. It was. It was. Thanksgiving was coming, and Ellen was Thanksgiving was coming, and Ellen was going to do this huge spread.
[17:20.5]
going to do this huge spread. And the other thing she noticed was And the other thing she noticed was the fudge was just piling up. the fudge was just piling up. So, as they say, she snuck some out. So, as they say, she snuck some out. Like, you got to be real Like, you got to be real stealthy around a blind, deaf guy. stealthy around a blind, deaf guy. But she was seeking it out and giving it away.
[17:35.1]
But she was seeking it out and giving it away. And friends, neighbors, and they started coming back And friends, neighbors, and they started coming back and asking if, they could buy some for and asking if, they could buy some for a birthday or a shower or something.
[17:48.3]
a birthday or a shower or something. And the capitalist in me said, well, of course you may. And the capitalist in me said, well, of course you may. And all of a sudden, Extraordinary And all of a sudden, Extraordinary Delights, or EOD Fudge.com was born. That's clever. Delights, or EOD Fudge.com was born. That's clever. And it just snowballed.
[18:03.8]
And it just snowballed. What was kitchen therapy for me turned into a business. What was kitchen therapy for me turned into a business. And, for the next couple years, that's all we And, for the next couple years, that's all we did was kind of figure out how to, go did was kind of figure out how to, go from, you know, bake sale to E commerce. Interesting.
[18:20.3]
from, you know, bake sale to E Commerce. Interesting. So now my understanding from when we spoke a little So now my understanding from when we spoke a little bit before we started recording is that you're bit before we started recording is that you're no longer no longer doing the fudge, or you're close to doing the fudge, or you're close to not doing it not doing it anymore, and you're more focused on anymore, and you're more focused on the real estate.
[18:39.9]
the real estate, is that correct? That's right. Is that correct? That's right, that's right. That's right. We, we had a great run. We, we had a great run. It's been about 11ish years right now with that. It's been about 11ish years right now with that. And it's done so much for of course, you know, And it's done so much for of course, you know, got me help, helped me get through a difficult time.
[18:55.0]
got me help, helped me get through a difficult time. It picked my family up and actually It picked my family up and actually funded this place for a while. funded this place for a while. And like I'd mentioned before, I, used, And like I'd mentioned before, I used, kind of turned into this brand. kind of turned into this brand. I was Aaron the fudge guy, the I was Aaron the fudge guy, the guy who sells fudge to buy rentals.
[19:10.9]
guy who sells fudge to buy rentals. And the thing is, we And the thing is we actually started making some revenue. actually started making some revenue. We'd actually made decent money. Do. We'd actually made decent money. Do. We wanted to do something, we wanted to invest it. We wanted to do something, we wanted to invest it. Right? Right? And that's the whole thing. And that's the whole thing. You take the active money and You take the active money and you do passive things with it.
[19:25.5]
you do passive things with it. You get the money to work for You get the money to work for you and bring home more money. you and bring home more money. So that's what we want to do. So that's what we want to do. We wanted to set ourselves up We wanted to set ourselves up for, you know, more passive.
[19:38.2]
for you know, more passive. So I just didn't, so I didn't have to, you So I just didn't, so I didn't have to, you know, cook, you know, I didn't have to stand behind know, cook, you know, I didn't have to stand behind a, a stove, for the rest of my life. a, a stove, for the rest of my life. And so we looked into real And so we looked into real estate and our very first investment.
[19:53.5]
estate and our very first investment. No, get this one. No, get this one. Because I love doing everything the easy way. Because I love doing everything the easy way for a blind deaf guy. For a blind deaf guy, the The first investment was out of state. Brrr. first investment was out of state. Brrr. Using hard money from an online auction.
[20:07.4]
Using hard money from an online auction. Fantastic. Fantastic. I like the way you always do the easy stuff. I like the way you always do the easy stuff. That's very impressive. That's very impressive. And it turned out exactly like you would think. And it turned out exactly like you would think. Complete disaster. Complete disaster. Oh my gosh.
[20:22.1]
Oh my gosh. Oh, it was. Oh, it was. I'd missed, the. I'd missed the. I was underestimated the rehab budget by double. Wow. I was underestimated the rehab budget by double. Wow. Wow. Wow. And I told my contractor what the And I told my contractor what the rehab would cost and that didn't work.
[20:36.5]
rehab would cost and that didn't work. But it was 2019 and thank goodness for But it was 2019 and thank goodness for that market because it saved our butts. that market because it saved our butts. Even though I underestimated the rehab, I'd also Even though I underestimated the rehab, I'd also underestimated the ARV and the rental, revenue.
[20:55.2]
underestimated the ARV and the rental, revenue. So we were able to get a much So we were able to get a much better rent for much better cash out, refinance. better rent for much better cash out refinance And we just about broke even anyhow.
[21:07.4]
and we just about broke even anyhow. Cut our teeth really, really like the hardest weight. Cut our teeth really, really like the hardest weight. But like it was, that was But like it was, that was heart attack and hair pulling. heart attack and hair pulling. But we got it done and that's But we got it done and that's how we got started in brrr investing.
[21:22.4]
how we got started in brrr investing. But we, we started doing burster, you But we, we started doing burster, you know, renovations into short term rentals. know, renovations into short term rentals. And we've got about eight And we've got about eight units between in Akron, Ohio.
[21:38.4]
units between in, Akron, Ohio. That's where I grew up. I've got family there. That's where I grew up. I've got family there. I've got a great team together I've got a great team together that helped us that helped us get rolling. get rolling and we've been Investing here in the And we've been investing here in the Florida Florida panhandle for the last couple years as well.
[21:54.5]
Panhandle for the last couple years as well. So let me ask, when you got into real So let me ask, when you got into real estate, how did you educate yourself on that? estate, how did you educate yourself on that? Was it YouTube videos? Was it YouTube videos? Did you learn from somebody? How did you go about that? Did you learn from somebody? How did you go about that? How does anybody else do it? Bigger pockets.
[22:08.8]
How does anybody else do it? Bigger pockets. Really? Really?
[22:17.3]
It was podcasts, it was YouTube. It was podcasts, it was YouTube. It was anything I could find to do that. It was anything I could find to do that. Beginner education. Beginner education. And that's all I did all day. And that's all I did all day. I have this dog with a bone kind I have this dog with a bone kind of thing of thing where I study and I network.
[22:34.0]
where I study and I network, and that's the beauty. And that's the beauty. Biggest thing is I was talking to everybody. Biggest thing is I was talking to everybody. I'm in a, military real estate investor group I'm in a military real estate investor group called From Military to Millionaire War Room. called, From Military to Millionaire war room. And I was, just.
[22:47.8]
And I was, just. I was talking to everybody and, you know, I'm I was talking to everybody and, you know, I'm like the pesky little brother, you know, that's what like the pesky little brother, you know, that's what I was like, how do you do that? I was like, how do you do that? And what if this happens? And how about. And what if this happens? And how about. But here's the thing about, everything from the But here's the thing about, everything from the fudge business to me, like running in real, fudge business to me, like, running in, real estate is, there's two sides of this coin.
[23:11.0]
estate is, there's two sides of this coin. Everything. Everything. I basically, I need somebody to help me I basically, I need somebody to help me with almost everything, every aspect of my life. with almost everything, every aspect of my life. Because it really, even when it comes down to staying fit, Because it really, even when it comes down to staying fit, it was really not in my best interest to just lace it was really not in my best interest to just lace up and step out the front door for a run.
[23:30.8]
up and step out the front door for a run. No, I would think not. No, I would think not. That's not as healthy as you would think. That's not as healthy as you would think. So I gotta find a teammate. So I gotta find a teammate. I have to find somebody to run with. I have to find somebody to run with. And you could say, like, I have to, or there's.
[23:43.6]
And you could say, like, I have to, or there's. I get to. I get to. I get to run with somebody. I get to run with somebody. I got a running partner every time I got a running partner every time I go out on the road. I go out on the road. And that's the same thing with the kayaking. And that's the same thing with the kayaking. The same with, mountain climbing. The same with, mountain climbing. Same with every aspect of Same with every aspect of my life, including real estate.
[24:00.3]
my life, including real estate. And what I read, and I heard, the term before, but And what I read, and I heard, the term before, but I've read, David Green's, out of state real, estate investing and I've read, David Green's, out of state real, estate investing and his core four, and he invests out of state all over his core four, and he invests out of state all over the place just by building a trusted team.
[24:22.5]
the place just by building a trusted team. And that's what I did. And there's. And that's what I did. And there's the thing is, blind or The thing is, blind or not, I still need a team. not, I still need a team. And it could be five business down And it could be five business down the road or five states across. the road or five states across. I still got to get that team.
[24:37.7]
I still got to get that team. How long did it take you from when you first decided How long did it take you from when you first decided to really get into real estate to buying that first flip? to really get into real estate to buying that first flip? Because a lot of people, they will spend Because a lot of people, they will spend years educating themselves and they never do anything. years educating themselves and they never do anything. And you don't strike me as the And you don't strike me as the kind of person that doesn't do anything.
[24:53.4]
kind of person that doesn't do anything. So how long did that take you? So how long did that take you? I'm a Real slacker. I'm a real slacker. No, I think from the just time we No, I think from the just time we decided we were going to do real estate decided we were going to do real estate until the first closing was two years.
[25:07.3]
until the first closing was two years. Okay. Okay, yeah, that was the education Yeah, that was the education phase phase and the revenue building phase.
[25:19.1]
and the revenue building phase. It was 2015 when we started doing the fudge, It was 2015 when we started doing the fudge, 2017 when we said, okay, we need to do 2017 when we said, okay, we need to do something with the profits and 2019 when we actually something with the profits and 2019 when we actually found a place to start putting the money.
[25:35.1]
found a place to start putting the money. Okay, and what made you go into short term rentals? Okay, and what made you go into short term rentals? That was actually a little bit of an accident. That was actually a little bit of an accident.
[25:48.8]
We were originally gonna do we We were originally gonna do we were going to do midterm rentals. were going to do midterm rentals. My sister was once a traveling nurse and My sister was once a traveling nurse and I do know that Akron, Ohio is a I do know that Akron, Ohio is a great place for traveling nurses because there are great place for traveling nurses because there are three major hospitals in a very close proximity.
[26:05.0]
three major hospitals in a very close proximity. And we just knew from the way my sister talked And we just knew from the way my sister talked about it, it was really hard even, especially back then, about it, it was really hard even, especially back then, almost you know, nine years ago there, there was a almost you know, nine years ago there, there was a really hard, it was really hard to find furnished, places really hard, it was really hard to find furnished, places that, in that, in between that midterm.
[26:27.1]
that, in that, in between that midterm. The only thing was, the second house that we purchased The only thing was, the second house that we purchased was a four bed, two bath and we were going was a four bed, two bath and we were going to rent out by the room and found out that to rent out by the room and found out that traveling nurses don't really like sharing bathrooms.
[26:42.6]
traveling nurses don't really like sharing bathrooms. So short term rental was the fallback and So short term rental was the fallback and we could rent the whole place out. we could rent the whole place out. It was already furnished because It was already furnished because that's what we planned. Right. that's what we planned. Right. So we started with short term rentals.
[26:57.2]
So we started with short term rentals. The first property, that online auction thing with The first property, that online auction thing with the disaster, that was actually our first long the disaster, that was actually our first long term rental and we kept that for a term rental and we kept that for a couple years and then sold it off. couple years and then sold it off. But yeah, then we found a model that really works.
[27:12.6]
But yeah, then we found a model that really works. We found a pattern, we started building the system We found a pattern. We started building the system way better than way better than the first time and started adding the first time and started adding just doing just doing the same thing, lather, rinse, repeat.
[27:26.4]
the same thing, lather, rinse, repeat. With some older properties that needed With some older properties that needed some TLC in the Akron area. Excellent. some TLC in the Akron area. Excellent. So now you said you also have some So now you said you also have some stuff on the Florida panhandle as well, correct?
[27:38.7]
stuff on the Florida panhandle as well, correct? That's right. That's right. And we do, us do similar setup there. And we do us do similar setup there. It's more like secondary market, kind of like Akron. It's more like secondary market, kind of like Akron. The secondary tertiary markets, we're not right on the The secondary tertiary markets, we're not right on the coastline but half an hour, 40 minutes from the coastline but half, an hour, 40 minutes from the coast in just smaller cities that are growing.
[27:59.0]
coast in just smaller cities that are growing. And we know we're going to get the appreciation as And we know we're going to get the appreciation as well as the cash flow from doing these brrrr investments. well as the cash flow from doing these brrrr investments. That's fantastic.
[28:12.9]
That's fantastic. So what is your long term goal? So what is your long term goal? Do you have a number that you Do you have a number that you want to hit with short term rentals? want to hit with short term rentals? Are you looking to go into maybe multi family? Are you looking to go into maybe multi family? What are your thoughts about that? What are your thoughts about that, well, Well, you know, it's it's another progression.
[28:26.5]
you know, it's, it's another progression. We started and we started becoming limited partners We started and we started becoming limited partners and doing some private lending and I really and doing some private lending and I really do enjoy the process, the project, putting the do enjoy the process, the project, putting the team together, finding the funding and, and seeing team together, finding the funding and, and seeing this property, these, these properties transform, not seeing, this property, these, these properties transform, not seeing, you know what I mean?
[28:53.9]
you know what I mean? It's not passive, definitely not short term rentals. It's not passive, definitely not short term rentals. So we're kind of looking for more passivity. So we're kind of looking for more passivity. So it's good cash flow, it's good appreciation.
[29:08.1]
So it's good cash flow, it's good appreciation. Not Akron, but the Florida is both. Not Akron, but the Florida is both. We've got the cash flow and some We've got the cash flow and some appreciation and we're again doing the next appreciation and we're again doing the next progression into passive investing with more lending progression into passive investing with more lending and more just limited partnerships and syndications.
[29:32.1]
and more just limited partnerships and syndications. Are you lending money to other real estate investors? Are you lending money to other real estate investors? Am I understanding that correctly? Yeah, that's right. Am I understanding that correctly? Yeah, that's right. Okay. Okay. How are you doing with that? How are you doing with that? How do you like that in terms of passivity?
[29:45.5]
How do you like that in terms of passivity? Well, I enjoy it. Well, I enjoy it. I think it's great. I think it's great. I work only with other flippers or operators that I work only with other flippers or operators that I know have a great track record that I'm I know have a great track record that I'm trust, I trust often from that military group.
[30:03.5]
trust, I trust often from that military group. We're pretty tight. We're pretty tight. And it's, it's not that I'm incredibly savvy in And it's, it's not that I'm incredibly savvy in that.
[30:17.8]
that I just have been on the other side. I just have been on the other side. I know what I'm, I know what to look for as far I know what I'm, I know what to look for as far as who's doing it right, who's not and who's got all their as who's doing it right, who's not and who's got all their ducks in a row when it comes to paperwork and all that. ducks in a row when it comes to paperwork and all that. However, it's not exactly the avenue I'm However, it's not exactly the avenue I'm going as far as the lending goes.
[30:38.0]
going as far as the lending goes. I would much rather have it sitting in a I would much rather have it sitting in a fund or sitting in a long term vehicle that's fund or sitting in a long term vehicle that's doing good, steady, income or gross and gross. Gotcha.
[30:55.5]
doing good, steady, income or gross and gross. Gotcha. Well some people when they're out there Well, some people, when they're out there investing investing and they're putting money into a and they're putting money into a fund, they're fund, they're trying to get 15, 20% trying to get 15, 20% returns.
[31:13.1]
returns, they're looking at bitcoin, et cetera. They're looking at bitcoin, et cetera. What are you focused on in terms of long term? What are you focused on in terms of long term? What do you think is a fair rate? What do you think is a fair rate? 15, 20 sounds pretty optimistic. 15, 20 sounds pretty optimistic. If you're just doing completely passive and you think If you're just doing completely passive and you think some other operator, some other entity is going to some other operator, some other entity is going to give you that kind of return, I would consider give you that kind of return, I would consider that probably pretty speculative or risky.
[31:35.9]
that probably pretty speculative or risky. I would agree. Yeah, me too. I would agree. Yeah, me too. I would too. I would too. I would love to get those returns. I would love to get those returns. So what do you, just so that our audience understands So what do you, just so that our audience understands because you know this is going to be because you know this is going to be a learning a learning thing for them as well.
[31:51.6]
thing for them as well as a person who's learned As a person who's learned and has been on and has been on both sides, what do you think both sides, what do you think is an appropriate is an appropriate amount for someone to get safely and amount for someone to get safely and passively. passively, you know, it can vary, it really can. You know, it can vary, it really can. And, but what I did, it's a spectrum, right?
[32:05.3]
And, but what I did, it's a spectrum, right? From that active to passive. From that active to passive. The more hands off you get, the less The more hands off you get, the less return you're going to get for yourself. return you're going to get for yourself. Yeah, you can, you can do, you can do Yeah, you can, you can do, you can do 25, 30, whatever percent if you are rolling up 25, 30, whatever percent if you are rolling up your sleeves and putting in the sweat equity.
[32:22.9]
your sleeves and putting in the sweat equity. Yeah, but if you are trying to just hand your Yeah, but if you are trying to just hand your money to somebody else, I'm thinking you could, I mean money to somebody else, I'm thinking you could, I mean even, even if you are just the lender and you're even, even if you are just the lender and you're lending yourself individual on individual projects, you could probably squeeze lending yourself individual on individual projects, you could probably squeeze anywhere from like 10 to even 15% maybe.
[32:45.2]
anywhere from like 10 to even 15% maybe. But then you're still doing the work and you But then you're still doing the work and you got to do your due diligence and all that. got to do your due diligence and all that. But if you're going pure, purely passive, you But if you're going pure, purely passive, you hand your money over to somebody who's going hand your money over to somebody who's going to invest your capital for you.
[33:00.1]
to invest your capital for you. I'm thinking anywhere from 7 to 10% I'm thinking anywhere from 7 to 10% is probably a good range maybe. is probably a good range maybe. Yeah, that's what we find. Yeah, that's what we find. So let me ask, let me switch gears a little bit now.
[33:14.2]
So let me ask, let me switch gears a little bit now. Tell us a little bit more about Tell us a little bit more about the challenging adventure activities that you're doing. the challenging adventure activities that you're doing. Tell me about Badwater 135s. Tell me about Badwater 135s. Oh my gosh, Badwater man. Oh my gosh. Badwater man. So talk about good life.
[33:28.0]
So talk about good life. Diaferry landing on your shoulder. Diaferry landing on your shoulder. Somebody said you should run the Somebody said you should run the toughest foot race on earth. toughest foot race on earth. And I said, why not? And I said, why not? Yeah, Badwater 135.
[33:41.8]
Yeah, Badwater 135. It's 135mile, race from the lowest point It's 135 mile, race from the lowest point in North America, the Badwater Basin, in North America, the Badwater Basin, Death Death Valley to the Mount Whitney Portal. Valley to the Mount Whitney portal. It's over two mountain ranges and It's over two mountain ranges and halfway up one mountain, Mount Whitney.
[34:00.1]
halfway up one mountain, Mount Whitney. And yeah, it's really hot. And yeah, it's really hot. But it took me 42 hours and 17 minutes and But it took me 42 hours and 17 minutes and some, I don't remember the seconds but it was brutal.
[34:15.3]
some I don't remember the seconds but it was brutal. I became the first blind deaf person to complete that. I became the first blind deaf person to complete that. It's amazing. It's amazing. In 2023. In 2023. Now when you did that, what time of the year was it?
[34:29.0]
Now when you did that, what time of the year was it? What are we talking about, temperatures wise? What are we talking about, temperatures wise? I mean this is Death Valley. I mean this is Death Valley.
[34:37.8]
Yeah, pretty hot. Yeah. Pretty hot. Okay. Okay. I was I think it got upwards of 125, maybe 128 out of. I was I think it got upwards of 125, maybe 128 out of. It was the middle of, middle of. It was the middle of, middle of. It's like the end of July, it's middle of summer. It's like the end of July, it's middle of summer. You said you always have people go with you, like You said you always have people go with you, like when you do runs and stuff outside your door.
[34:53.5]
when you do runs and stuff outside your door. When you were doing this, were you on your own When you were doing this, were you on your own or did you find somebody who's gonna go with you? or did you find somebody who's gonna go with you? Yeah, another crazy person. Yeah, another crazy person. Yeah. Yeah, well, you know, I live in Florida Right. Well, you know I live in Florida, right? And you know what's funny too, because I don't And you know what's funny too, because I don't know if it's my Nordic, Viking blood or whatever know if it's my Nordic, Viking blood or whatever from, you know, the Great Lakes area, but I've from, you know, the Great Lakes area, but I've been in Florida for like 14 years and I been in Florida for like 14 years and I still am not used to the heat and humidity.
[35:19.1]
still am not used to the heat and humidity. Like eight months out of the year. Like eight months out of the year. I don't want to go outside. I don't want to go outside. So then they said, you better So then they said, you better start training for this badwater thing. start training for this badwater thing. So I put my treadmill in my garage. So I put my treadmill in my garage and And you get that heat and humidity and you keep you get that heat and humidity and you keep the door shut and the sun just radiates into that the door shut and the sun just radiates into that tin door and it's like Satan's jock strap.
[35:41.2]
tin door and it's like Satan's jock strap. Practice, practice sweating just as much as. Practice, practice. Sweating just as much as. Oh, it's so awful. Oh, it's so awful. And you know what? And you know what? It's not just running on the treadmill. It's not just running on the treadmill. My coach had me doing, power My coach had me doing power walking with a weight vest. Okay.
[35:58.2]
walking with a, weight vest. Okay. You know, if there's anything I hate more You know, if there's anything I hate more than heat and humidity, it's power walking. than heat and humidity, it's power walking. It's like I have two speeds. It's like I have two speeds. That's run and stroll. That's run and stroll. Meander.
[36:12.7]
Meander.
[36:17.2]
So, but the thing was, with bad So, but the thing was with bad water I actually water, I, actually ended up with. ended up with, I felt like an unfair advantage. I felt like an unfair advantage. I was over prepared, really. I was over prepared really. I had this humidity beat down in Florida I had this humidity beat down in Florida for months and months and I get to for months and months and I get to Death Valley and it was the funniest. It was so funny.
[36:38.6]
Death Valley and it was the funniest. It was so funny. I couldn't help myself. I couldn't help myself. I kind of step out of the. I kind of step out of the. We're like two days before the race We're like two days before the race started and the teams gathered together. started and the teams gathered together. We're going to do some like shakeout miles. We're going to do some like shakeout miles. And I was just waiting for it. Some.
[36:51.2]
And I was just waiting for it. Some. We stepped outside into the parking lot and We stepped outside into the parking lot and somebody goes, oh my God, it's so hot. somebody goes, oh my God, it's so hot. And you know, there's a big stupid grin in my face. And you know, there's a big stupid grin in my face. I'm like, yeah, but it's a dry heat. I'm like, yeah, but it's a dry heat. Softball.
[37:06.2]
Softball. Anyways, that was just one of the things Anyways, that was just one of the things I had like this world class team. I had like this world class team. My coach and others, on the My coach and others, on the team helping me the whole way.
[37:19.5]
team helping me the whole way. I ran into so many, you know, the proverbial walls. I ran into so many, you know, the proverbial walls. I hit that thing so many times. I hit that thing so many times. I don't know how I didn't get even more disfigured. I don't know how I didn't get even more disfigured. But, we did it.
[37:31.3]
But we did it. I mean, it was one of the toughest things I'd I mean it was one of the toughest things I'd ever done maybe until just a couple weeks ago. ever done maybe until just a couple weeks ago. And it was one of the And it was one of the most wonderful things I've ever done.
[37:46.9]
most wonderful things I've ever done. But then like I mentioned, just a couple weeks But then like I mentioned just a couple weeks ago, I just, just came back, from, from Africa. ago I just, just came back, from, from Africa. Yeah, I want to jump into that because I want to climb. Yeah, I want to jump into that because I want to climb. I'd like to climb peely as well. I'd like to climb peely as well, tell Tell me about the sea to summit Expedition.
[38:01.7]
me about the sea to summit expedition. This sounds amazing. This sounds amazing. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh, this was awesome. This was awesome. It was also brutal. It was also brutal. I, ran from the coast of Africa, from Mombasa, I, ran from the coast of Africa, from Mombasa, Kenya, 204 miles to Mount Kilimanjaro and became the Kenya, 204 miles to Mount Kilimanjaro and became the first blind deaf person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
[38:22.2]
first blind deaf person to climb mount Kilimanjaro. Or, I don't know, citation needed. Or, I don't know, citation needed. But, definitely positive. But, definitely, positive. Most probably like the one who's finished.
[38:35.7]
Most probably like the one who's finished. You're the first blind deaf person You're the first blind deaf person to do this sea to summit. Ron. to do, this sea to summit. Ron Kilimantarum. Kilimantarum. So tell me, how long did it take you to do it? So tell me, how long did it take you to do it? How many days were you out there How many days were you out there on this seed of summit run space?
[38:49.5]
on this seed of summit run space? Stage one was, nine days. Stage one was, nine days. We did about a marathon a day. We did about a marathon a day. Nine days. Wow. Nine days. Wow. The last day was only 10 miles, but that was, The last day was only 10 miles, but that was, like, straight up to the gates of, Kilimanjaro national park.
[39:06.4]
like, straight up to the gates of, Kilimanjaro national park. And, we'd planned for that, but, it was, you And, we'd planned for that, but, it was, you know, it would be nice if I could have know, it would be nice if I could have just, like, eased into it, you know, start off just, like, eased into it, you know, start off nice and gentle, maybe got into the hard parts.
[39:23.1]
nice and gentle, maybe got into the hard parts. But, the day one, just getting out of Mombasa But, the day one, just getting out of Mombasa was like a swift punch in the face. was like a swift punch in the face. It was a haymaker. It was a haymaker. It was super hot. It was super hot. Traffic, the streets.
[39:36.7]
Traffic, the streets. You know, somebody needs to call that, You know, somebody needs to call that city's department of transportation and Phil. city's department of transportation and Phil.
[39:46.7]
But it was brutal. But it was brutal. Traffic, pedestrians, curbs, dirt, sand dunes Traffic, pedestrians, curbs, dirt, sand dunes in the middle in the middle of the city. of the city, you know, and, you know, I You know, and, you know, I told you I have balance told you I have balance issues besides not just issues besides not just being able to see what's going on.
[40:00.4]
being able to see what's going on. But, we got out of the city, and that was But, we got out of the city, and that was probably maybe like 12 worst miles of my life. probably maybe like 12 worst miles of my life. And then each day after that, And then each day after that, it was really, really hot. it was really, really hot. It reached about 104 degrees or so.
[40:14.7]
It reached about 104 degrees or so. But it started getting better each day. But it started getting better each day. Maybe we got a little bit better at Maybe we got a little bit better at the process of the system we, were using. the process of the system we, were using. But then the weather, actually, it was like we'd, But then the weather, actually, it was like we'd, you know, pass some rite of passage or something.
[40:32.8]
you know, pass some rite of passage or something. But, each day, the more clouds rolled in. But, each day, the more clouds rolled in. Then it started to drizzle, and it cooled Then it started to drizzle, and it cooled us off, Washed that sweat and dust. us off, Washed that sweat and dust. And then it was like a torrential downpour And then it was like a torrential downpour. now until we were hiding in the truck Now until we were hiding in the truck because lightning was striking around us. Wow.
[40:50.1]
because lightning was striking around us. Wow. But then, we made it to Kilimanjaro. But then we made it to kilimanjaro. Took a couple days off just to rest, Took a couple days off just to rest, recuperate, and then, switch from running mode to recuperate, and then switch, from running mode to mountain mode and started climbing up the mountain.
[41:07.5]
mountain mode and started climbing up the mountain. It took about four or five days. It took about four or five days. So as we kind of wind up here. So as we kind of wind up here. What other adventures do you have planned? What other adventures do you have planned have you got Have you got anything on the anything on the schedule that we can watch for? schedule that we can watch. For right now, we're planning this out.
[41:23.0]
Right now? We're planning this out, the brainstorming thing. The brainstorming thing. Mode. Mode. Right now we actually talk about maybe, mountain. Right now we actually talk about maybe, mountain. Visen Massif, the tallest peak in South America.
[41:35.3]
Visen Massif, the tallest peak in South America. Antarctica. Antarctica. Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Maybe one of my buddies. Maybe one of my buddies. I don't know if I may be able to I don't know if I may be able to convince him, but one of my friends actually guided convince him, but, one of my friends actually guided my other blind friend Lonnie, the kayaker.
[41:53.7]
my other blind friend Lonnie, the kayaker. She's also a mountaineer. She's also a mountaineer. He's completed the, seven summits, but he skied to the He's completed the, seven summits, but he skied to the South Pole and climbed Vissen in the same trip. South Pole and climbed Vissen in the same trip. So that's, that's a potential.
[42:07.7]
So that's, that's a potential. I don't know, if you got any crazy ideas, I'm all ear. I don't know, if you got any crazy ideas, I'm all ear. Well, I gotta tell you, I can't Well, I gotta tell you, I can't imagine anything more than you've already done. imagine anything more than you've already done. So I'm using you for inspiration. So I'm using you for inspiration. I'm not going to be much help for you without you.
[42:21.7]
I'm not going to be much help for you without you. Zach, you got any ideas? Zach, you got any ideas? Not anything nearly as cool as Not anything nearly as cool as climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica. climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica. I mean, even just going to Antarctica is I mean, even just going to Antarctica is a feat for a lot of people. Absolutely. a feat for a lot of people. Absolutely. Maybe I go hang out in Sun Valley. Maybe I go hang out in Sun Valley. I hear it's pretty posh.
[42:36.5]
I hear it's pretty posh.
[42:41.7]
Well, I actually want to walk to Everest Base camp. Well, I actually want to walk to Everest Base camp. That's a 14 day hike. That's a 14 day hike. So that's on my list. So that's on my list. So I do have some stuff that I'm thinking of So I do have some stuff that I'm thinking of doing and I want to go to Antarctica as well. doing and I want to go to Antarctica as well. I know that, Lois and I like to travel I know that, Lois and I like to travel and we've got nine countries coming up this year and we've got nine countries coming up this year and that'll bring us up to 51 altogether on and that'll bring us up to 51 altogether on our goal towards 100 in all seven continents.
[43:03.9]
our goal towards 100 in all seven continents. So. So, but I don't see myself running But I don't see myself running in in Africa or seeing, doing the cedar. Africa or seeing, doing the cedar. I love Africa too. I love Africa too. Oh yeah, Kenya I loved. Oh yeah, Kenya I loved. We've been to Kenya and Tanzania.
[43:18.7]
We've been to Kenya and Tanzania. And for me Kenya is just, it has And for me Kenya is just, it has a special place for me in my heart. a special place for me in my heart. We just had such a great time there. We just had such a great time there. They're such wonderful people. They're such wonderful people. They're generous and friendly and a lot of food. They're generous and friendly and a lot of food. They take fruit juice to a whole other level.
[43:33.9]
They take fruit juice to a whole other level. Oh, absolutely. It's crazy. Oh, absolutely. It's crazy. Okay. Okay. So Aaron, we really appreciate you coming on. So Aaron, we really appreciate you coming on. This has been fantastic. This has been fantastic. I know that you do public, speaking as well I know that you do public, speaking as well and I'm sure people will want to, you know, and I'm sure people will want to, you know, get a hold of you, follow you.
[43:52.0]
get a hold of you, follow you. How can people get a hold of you if they want to? How can people get a hold of you if they want to? And what. And what. Guys, we'll put this in the show notes as well. Yep. Guys, we'll put this in the show notes as well. Yep. Well, I'm on all the, major social media platforms. Well, I'm on all the, major social media platforms. Facebook is probably my primary Facebook and LinkedIn. Facebook is probably my primary Facebook and LinkedIn. But they can of course find me the But they can, of course, find me the Point of impact podcast, the pointofimpactpod.com and, I'm Point of impact podcast, the pointofimpactpod.com and I'm aaron@out of sightventures.com that's o u t t aaron@out of sightventures.com that's o u t t a out of sightventures.com Gotcha. Very clever.
[44:21.4]
a out of sightventures.com Gotcha. Very clever. Okay. Okay, awesome. Awesome. Well, Aaron, thank you very much for coming on. Well, Aaron, thank you very much for coming on. This was fantastic. Inspirational. This was fantastic. Inspirational. I knew I was really going to enjoy it, and I did. I knew I was really going to enjoy it, and I did. So thank you so much for your time. So thank you so much for your time. Mike Zag, thanks for having me.
[44:35.3]
Mike Zag, thanks for having me. It was a great conversation. Really appreciate it. It was a great conversation. Really appreciate it. Yes, it was awesome. Yes, it was awesome.
[44:43.5]
Sat. Sat.