In episode 217, Max chats with South East Melbourne Phoenix Owner Romie Chaudhari! Romie takes us through constantly moving around the US as a kid, to building a property empire in LA, and now leading one of the NBL’s most ambitious clubs. Romie opens up on how growing up moving around the US shaped an emotional detachment from his business ventures - something he says has been both a strength and a weakness. But there’s one venture he admits he’s deeply connected to: the Phoenix. We dive into his first real estate deal (a three-story apartment he renovated himself), his three key questions before partnering with investors, and his major development projects in Miami. Romie also shares how he initially said no to investing in the Phoenix, the 48-hour deal he struck with Larry Kestelman, and the faith he’s placed in Tommy Greer to build the club’s foundation. Plus - the story behind turning down LaMelo Ball in 2020, and how Josh King’s appointment mid-season last year transformed the team’s direction. All this and much more in episode 217 of Sporting Max! www.instagram.com/sportingmax.podcast/