Jonathan Schultz

Co-Founder: OnyxEquities 🏢 Real Estate Investor 👥 CRE Tech Influencer 📲 Tech Investor 💻 Podcaster 🎤

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

One of the themes that comes up again and again on this podcast is that the people who accomplish extraordinary things usually have to overcome someone else’s limitations before they can reach their own potential.

When Gretchen Wilcox wanted to take the next step in her career, she was told something that would stop a lot of people.

“You’re a woman. This is a man’s business. I just don’t think you can do it.”

Instead of accepting that narrative, she went out and proved them wrong.

What I love about Gretchen’s story is that she didn’t waste time arguing. She let her results do the talking. She helped grow a servicing portfolio from $70 million to $700 million through her own efforts, and then went on to build a legacy that has impacted an entire industry.

If you’ve ever been underestimated, doubted, or told you don’t belong, this conversation is for you.
The best response to doubt isn’t words. It’s execution.

Watch Now: https://t.co/6kW89rwj94

#MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #WomenInCRE #CommercialRealEstate #FounderStory #BusinessLeadership #SuccessMindset #LeadershipLessons #PodcastClip #BusinessGrowth #NeverGiveUp

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

Most people see the success. They rarely see the pressure that came before it.

In this clip, Gretchen Wilcox shares the moment she decided to bet on herself and start her company. What struck me most wasn’t the business strategy or the risk-taking. It was the reason behind it.

She wasn’t chasing a title or trying to build an empire. She was a young mother with two kids, facing the unimaginable reality of her husband being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Starting her company wasn’t just a business decision—it was a decision to fight for her family’s future.

Stories like this are exactly why I created this podcast. Behind every so-called “overnight success” is a season of uncertainty, sacrifice, and courage that most people never see.

Take a listen to Gretchen’s perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest opportunities are born out of our hardest circumstances.

Watch Now: https://t.co/qK8GhrmzFC

#MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #FounderStory #Resilience #WomenInBusiness #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessLeadership #SuccessMindset #PodcastClip #Motivation #Inspiration

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

Some guests walk into a conversation and quietly rewrite everything you thought you knew about grit, timing, and what it really means to bet on yourself. Gretchen Wilcox is one of those guests.

I have known Gretchen Wilcox for decades, and she is a true trailblazer in our industry. She is the first, and to this day, the only female-founded commercial real estate mortgage banking firm in the United States. Think about that. In one of the largest industries in the world, she is still standing alone at that distinction more than thirty years later.

On the surface, this is a story about business, growth, and long-term success. But underneath all of that, it is really a story about pressure, belief, family, loss, and the choices that define who we become when life forces us to act.

What makes this conversation so powerful is the honesty. Gretchen doesn't sugarcoat the moments that nearly broke her. There's the raw reality of launching her company with six months of runway, a second mortgage on her home, a husband battling a terminal illness, and two young kids depending on her. She didn't start her company chasing glory; she started it to survive, and what she built from that moment of pure necessity is nothing short of extraordinary.

This episode covers a lot of ground, building a business from nothing, surviving COVID, and now watching her own children carry the company forward.

Tune in to hear one of the most honest and hard-earned stories I have had on this podcast. Gretchen’s story will stay with you. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or standing at a moment in your own life where the safe choice is not the right one, there is real value in this episode.

Watch Now: https://t.co/qK8GhrmzFC

#CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateFinance #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInCRE #FounderStory #RealEstate #Finance #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode #Podcast @GSWilco1

[Eric Daugherty @EricLDaugh]

🚨 WOW! JD Vance just exposed to the world that the Iranian delegation in Pakistan didn't even have the AUTHORITY to strike a deal...

...they had to wait for the "Supreme Leader — or somebody else"

"This is ultimately why we left Pakistan because what we figured out is that they were unable."

"I think the team that was there was unable to cut a deal and they had to go back to Tehran, either from the Supreme Leader or somebody else and actually get approval to the turn."

"So, again, whether we have further conversations, whether we ultimately get to a deal, I really think the ball is in the Iranian court because we put a lot on the table. We actually made very clear what our red lines were."

"We also made clear that we actually would be very happy. The President of the United States has said he would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country."

"The ball is in the Iranian court."

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

Before the boardrooms… there was a train station.

🎙️ At just 8 years old, George Gellert was selling newspapers—

and competing to outsell everyone around him.

That drive didn’t just show up later in life… it started early.

At 12, he was taking buses, trains—even sitting in a sauna just to give himself a competitive edge.

Different level of commitment.
Success doesn’t start when you get your first job.
It starts with how you show up when no one’s watching.

Watch Episode Now: https://t.co/FebBbv13dz

#JonSchultzPodcast #CareerAdvice #StartFromTheBottom #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkEthic #BusinessGrowth #LevelUp #PodcastClips

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

He didn’t start at the top. He started in the mailroom.
Picking people up from the airport.
Working alongside the team in the warehouse.

🎙️ George Gellert’s advice after 60+ years in business: Don’t skip steps. Don’t fear hard work. Ask questions. Learn everything. That’s how real careers are built.

Watch Now: https://t.co/FebBbv13dz

#JonSchultzPodcast #CareerAdvice #StartFromTheBottom #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WorkEthic #BusinessGrowth #LevelUp #PodcastClips

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

If there is one person who truly embodies the theme of this podcast, it is George Gellert. We talk a lot about the myth of the overnight success, and George is the living, breathing proof that the "top" is built on decades of grit, early mornings, and a level of drive that most people just aren't ready for.
George is an absolute titan in the food industry, but his story starts way before the global boardrooms. We dive into his childhood in upstate New York, where he was already a seasoned entrepreneur by age eight. You’ll hear about the wild lengths a twelve-year-old George went to to gain a competitive edge in track, and how milking cows before sunrise shaped the relentless work ethic that he still carries today.

We also get into his legendary time at Cornell, where he wasn't just a student; he was running multiple businesses and making more money than he did in his first "real" job as a lawyer for the SEC. George opens up about the friction of working in a family business, the intense risks of being one of the first Americans to trade with China during the Cold War, and the mindset required to navigate massive setbacks, from being hacked for millions to surviving a battle with B-cell lymphoma.

But the real magic in this episode isn't just about the money or the scale; it is about the loyalty. George shares how he built a massive empire in food, real estate, and finance through relationships that have lasted over fifty years. Whether you are a young entrepreneur starting in the mailroom or a veteran leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, George’s wisdom on why you must "start from the bottom" is something you cannot afford to miss.

00:00 – Intro: The Reality Behind “Overnight Success”
00:45 – Early Hustle & Work Ethic (From Age 8 to Farm Life)
05:45 – Cornell Years: Entrepreneurship, Athletics & Education
10:00 – Early Career: SEC, Army & Global Exposure 12:00 – Joining the Family Business (And Taking a Different Path)
18:30 – Leadership Challenges & Taking Over the Business
22:00 – Scaling the Business: Risks, Politics & Major Obstacles
25:00 – Building Culture: Loyalty, Family & Long-Term Success
28:00 – Taking Big Risks: China & Global Expansion 30:00 – Personal Adversity: Battling Cancer & Staying Strong
33:30 – Sustaining a Family Business Across Generations
41:00 – Final Advice: Start at the Bottom & Outwork Everyone
44:00 – Outro
Jon on Socials:
IG: @thejonschultzpodcast
X: @JonSchultzPod
LinkedIn: https://t.co/OTW1gY8eO4 https://t.co/sxuN7YeKWE

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/uOOvv1LKEv

#RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/uOOvv1LKEv

#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

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/uOOvv1Miu3

#RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/ZxLGEk6Srk

#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

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/uOOvv1LKEv

#RealEstate #CRE #CapitalMarkets #DebtMarkets #BridgeLending #PrivateCredit #BlueLightCapital #HFF #JLL #Leadership #Founders #SecondAct #Career #Mentor #Networking #DealMaking #Risk #MarketCycles #Business #PodcastEpisode

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/m7H2fFrYpl

#Mindset #Resilience #Leadership #Growth #Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset

#RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/m7H2fFrYpl

#Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset
#RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @RutgersU @MichaelJoh82712

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/m7H2fFsweT

#Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset

#RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @MichaelJoh82712 @NewJerseyII @NJIT

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/CdOptXmFvP

#Podcast #Leadership #MichaelJohnson #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #FounderStories #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset
#RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode @MichaelJoh82712

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

“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: https://t.co/VwMJPCjWfC

#PatrickLeahy #MonmouthUniversity #BruceSpringsteen #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode
@monmouthu @BruceArchives @ChatGPTapp

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/VwMJPCku5a

#PatrickLeahy #MonmouthUniversity #BruceSpringsteen #JonSchultzPodcast #BusinessStories #Podcast #Leadership #Innovation #SuccessStory #RealEstate #CRE #BusinessInsights #MythOfTheOvernightSuccess #TheJonSchultzPodcast #NewEpisode
@netflix @BruceArchives

[Jonathan Schultz @JonSchultzPod]

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: https://t.co/OzLSLK2YHi