In this episode of Hustle Harder, James Gaskin interviews Jon Grabowski, CEO of Red Cedar Capital Partners. Jon shares his journey from a pharmaceutical sales rep to a leader in real estate development, detailing Red Cedar Capital's innovative approach to land development and home building. He discusses the company's growth, the importance of relationships and trust, and the role of thoughtful design in creating affordable, high-quality homes. Jon also highlights his work-life balance strategies and the significance of long-term partnerships in business success.

Key Points from This Episode

[00:01:01] Overview of Red Cedar Capital and its operations

[00:01:39] Jon’s early career and entry into real estate

[00:02:23] Challenges faced in the Detroit real estate market

[00:03:25] Impact of the 2008 financial crisis on Jon's career

[00:04:26] Pivoting during COVID-19 and the growth of Red Cedar

[00:06:05] The importance of thoughtful design in home building

[00:08:46] Jon’s daily routine and work-life balance

[00:11:53] Expansion strategy and market selection

[00:19:33] Addressing affordability in housing

[00:23:21] The role of community and thoughtful business practices

[00:26:28] Memorable projects and lessons learned

[00:30:05] The significance of multiple exit strategies in deals

[00:34:07] Building a disciplined and autonomous team

[00:37:04] Hiring practices for cultivating ownership and accountability