The Ground Game Podcast

Justin Piche and Clay Hepler
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Mar 27, 2026 • 44min

Episode 70: The future of land investing: funding, ai, how to level up

They unpack how deal funding is reshaping land acquisitions and why access to capital is a game changer. They explore AI tools transforming workflows from contracts to financial models. They highlight resilient opportunities like mobile-home developments and small-scale subdivisions. They discuss near-term drivers such as autonomous transport and what it takes to level up in the land market.
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Mar 10, 2026 • 44min

Episode 69: How do you prioritize the things that move your business forward?

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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5 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 56min

Episode 68: AI, Hiring & The Future of Lean Land Investing

Casual banter about routines and family life sets the tone. They dig into mobile home land packages and the tradeoffs of hiring seasoned pros versus hungry, coachable talent. AI gets center stage for automating listings, transaction coordination, and local LLM experiments. Regulatory delays and building efficient, high-leverage teams round out the conversation.
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Feb 12, 2026 • 43min

Episode 67: AI, Job Loss & The $15M Question

Welcome to The Ground Game Podcastwhere hosts Clayton Hepler and Justin Piche dive deep into the world of land investing and real estate development. Join us each week as we explore the latest trends, strategies, and insights that can help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of real estate.In this episode, we tackle pressing topics such as the recent national job losses and their implications for land investors, the impact of AI on the real estate market, and the financial strategies necessary for long-term success. We discuss how much liquid cash you might need to secure your financial future, share personal anecdotes from our own investing journeys, and provide actionable advice on building a sustainable land business.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, our candid conversations and expert insights will equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the competitive world of land investing. We believe that every opportunity is what you make it, and we’re here to inspire you to take ownership of your journey.Tune in for engaging discussions, real-life stories, and a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about buying America back—one acre at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to help us reach more aspiring investors like you!Abacus.AIStrideLand Insights Smarter contactTerra data consulting  SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 CoachingApply for private coaching with clayThe Ground Game PodcastWebsiteYoutubeFacebookTikTokJustin's Socials:X/TwitterYouTube...
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Jan 29, 2026 • 50min

Episode 66: How to separate yourself from the competition in land Flipping

They break down four ways to build a competitive moat in land investing: data, capital, branding, and operations. They walk through a Tennessee flip and a tricky 15-acre development with zoning and due diligence hurdles. Practical tactics cover targeted lists, funding strategies, and measurable daily goals to keep deals moving. The conversation also highlights building trust and streamlining processes to scale.
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Jan 23, 2026 • 45min

Episode 65: The 3 Stages of a Land CEO: Doer, Decider, Designer

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, co-hosts Clayton Hepler and Justin Piche tackle the pivotal role of a CEO in the land investing business, focusing on the journey from doer to designer. Join them as they share their insights on how to effectively manage your time, empower your team, and drive your business towards greater success.Key Highlights:The Three Stages of a CEO: Clayton and Justin break down the essential stages of leadership—Doer, Decider, and Designer—and discuss how to navigate each phase effectively.Identifying Constraints: Learn how to pinpoint the biggest constraints in your business and why addressing them is crucial for growth and efficiency.Empowering Your Team: Discover strategies for empowering your team members to make decisions, fostering a culture of accountability and trust within your organization.Real-Life Lessons: The hosts share personal experiences, including the impact of contract language on acquisition success and the importance of clear communication in transactions.Building a Strong Team: Gain insights on hiring the right talent and creating a supportive environment that encourages innovation and productivity.Whether you're an experienced land investor or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and valuable insights to help you elevate your business and thrive in the competitive landscape of land investing.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and reach more listeners.Abacus.AIStrideLand Insights Smarter contactTerra data consulting  SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 CoachingApply for private coaching with clayThe Ground Game PodcastWebsiteYoutubeFacebookTikTokJustin's Socials:X/TwitterYouTube...
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Jan 14, 2026 • 38min

Episode 64: Scaling a Land Flipping Business Without Burning Out Your Team (or Yourself)

Co-hosts dive into the new challenges of 2026 for land investors. They discuss the importance of post-holiday recharge for better focus. Streamlining operations to enhance efficiency is highlighted, alongside the need for simplifying business processes. Insights on empowering teams while maintaining oversight are shared, boosting accountability. The duo emphasizes identifying key constraints for growth and the role of cross-training to ensure operational resilience. Finally, they reflect on improving internal systems for a sustainable business.
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Dec 23, 2025 • 42min

Episode 63: Annual Planning, Bottlenecks, and Taxes: How Real Land CEOs Think at Year-End

As year-end approaches, the hosts explore the paradox of slowed contracts matching heightened stress for land investors. They reflect on effective sales strategies during busy periods and the importance of team management over the holidays. Key insights include diagnosing true business constraints rather than surface issues, strategic tax planning, and optimizing capital with C-corps for tax efficiency. They emphasize the need for clear goals in annual planning and organizational alignment to successfully navigate these complexities.
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Dec 16, 2025 • 42min

Episode 62: Day One of Annual Planning: Analyzing Your Constraints & How to Solve Them

Dive into the world of annual planning with insights on overcoming constraints in a real estate business. The hosts share personal stories and the importance of community connections. Learn to diagnose past performance, define actionable goals, and tackle business constraints with a structured framework. Discover how to identify root causes and formulate testable solutions to drive momentum. With practical examples, this discussion offers valuable strategies for both seasoned investors and newcomers.
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Dec 9, 2025 • 30min

Episode 61: The 7 biggest mistakes Land investors mande in 2025

🎙️ Welcome to The Ground Game Podcast! 🎙️Join Clay and Justin in this special Thanksgiving episode, where the aroma of turkey and the buzz of family festivities set the stage for a crucial conversation about the biggest blunders land investors are making in 2025. This isn’t just theory; these are real insights drawn from their own experiences, coaching clients, and industry observations.In this episode, they dive into:Mistake #1: Marketing Without a Game Plan Discover why scattershot mailers and blind outreach are falling flat. Learn how strategic market analysis, A/B testing, and feedback loops can transform your marketing efforts.Mistake #2: Neglecting Lead Management Clay reveals the importance of discipline in lead management—slow responses and lack of follow-up can cost you deals. Find out how to implement effective systems and KPIs to stay ahead.Mistake #3: Relying on Outdated Comps Are you using 2023-2024 comps in today’s market? This mistake could be eating into your profits. Tune in to understand how to adjust your comping strategy for 2025.Mistake #4: Limited Tools in Your Arsenal Wholesaling alone won’t cut it anymore. Explore the necessity of creative deal structures, entitlements, and value-add strategies to thrive in today’s landscape.Mistake #5: Underperforming Sales Unlock the secret skill that can double your close rates without doubling your marketing budget.Mistake #6: Misguided Focus on Lead Channels Learn why beginners often chase too many leads while seasoned operators may rely too heavily on just one. Both approaches can hinder your success.Mistake #7: Treating Your Land Business Like a Hobby Inconsistency, lack of systems, and fear of failure can stall your growth. Discover how to shift your mindset and treat your land investing as a serious business.As they navigate these common pitfalls, Clay and Justin also share personal anecdotes about family traditions, nutrition bets, and the mental discipline that fuels both fitness and business success.If you’re ready to elevate your land investing game in 2025, this episode is your essential guide to avoiding the traps that hold others back. Tune in and get ready to take action!Abacus.AIStrideLand Insights Smarter contactTerra data consulting  SolidSkip Learn about Justin’s 1:1 CoachingApply for private coaching with clayThe Ground Game PodcastWebsiteYoutubeFacebookTikTokJustin's Socials:X/TwitterYouTube...

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