The Ground Game Podcast Episode 69: How do you prioritize the things that move your business forward?
Mar 10, 2026
They trade personal updates and a wild Warhammer meet-cute while talking real estate project wins. They unpack crazy geotech and road-cost surprises that almost sank deals. They debate when horizontal development risk scares investors and how to structure high-impact transactions. They explore prioritization tactics like the loading-dock model, focusing on revenue and using AI to automate repetitive work.
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Episode notes
Geotech Report Reshaped Road Budget But Netted Out
- Justin described geotech-driven changes in Bastrop that increased subgrade depth from 8 to 12 inches but reduced asphalt thickness.
- The net effect was roughly a wash financially despite a $170â180K raise in base costs and a $200K+ drop in paving costs.
Soil Type Killed Original Road Plan In Fort Bend
- A Fort Bend deal showed âgumbo clayâ required a 12-inch asphalt pavement, tripling road cost and killing the original plan.
- Justin renegotiated the purchase, split the property, and shifted to exempt subdivision and gravel roads to rescue returns.
Horizontal Development Requires Big Upfront Bets
- Horizontal development carries high early-stage costs and uncertainty because you must spend large sums to discover feasibility.
- Justin notes teams often invest hundreds of thousands before they know if entitlement, builder interest, or bids will align.
