From Scratch to Momentum: Lessons from Launching a New Office in St. Pete 🌊
Hey GRID Community,
It’s been three weeks since I landed in St. Pete to launch our new office, and the journey has been non-stop.
St. Pete, Florida
Building something from the ground up in a new market has reinforced some powerful lessons about growth, networking, and execution.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
🌎 Your Network Travels With You
When I announced my move to St. Pete online, the outpouring of support was incredible. My network showed up, offering connections, advice, and introductions. It reinforced a simple but crucial principle:
⭐ If you invest in your community, your community will invest in you.
Since I arrived, I’ve been in back-to-back meetings, including one right now—I'm literally in an Uber heading to meet a builder for coffee. The power of relationships is undeniable.
🏗️ Build Your Routine First.
Success thrives on structure. When you disrupt your environment, the best way to stay productive is to establish a rhythm. Here’s how I locked mine in:
Create a productive workspace. I toured five co-working spaces before settling on CoHatch—great location, event space, and easy parking.
Move daily. I bought a mountain bike, joined a gym/yoga studio, and committed to staying active. When I feel good, I perform at a high level.
Eat clean. Found a solid grocery store and cut back on carbs, sugar, and anything that slows me down. (Fun fact: I quit alcohol 8 years ago for the same reason.)
Protect sleep. I stick to a strict 10 PM–6 AM sleep schedule. Energy is everything.
Soak in the sun. One reason I left Virginia this winter was for sunshine. Being outdoors daily keeps my energy up.
⛳ Sales is a Contact Sport
My goal in the first 60 days? Build a list of 500+ local contacts. Sounds big, but when you break it down, it’s less than 9 people a day. Here’s how I’m making it happen:
Attend networking events. Get in the right rooms.
Visit open houses. Meet active agents.
Call agents with a lot of signs in the yard. They know the market.
Call builders with active projects. Builders = deals.
Connect with visible investors online. They’re already doing what we’re here to do.
Share my vision. Every meeting is an opportunity to invite someone into our mission.
Host a GRID event. I’m inviting everyone I meet and encouraging them to bring a friend.
Post our GRID launch online. This includes outreach to local landlords, investors, and online investor communities.
📝 Lessons from Networking Events
Since launching GRID, I haven’t attended many networking events outside our ecosystem.
Jumping back in has been an eye-opener. Here’s what makes or breaks a great event:
The best events:
✔️ Have a clear format that facilitates networking.
✔️ Extend the conversation beyond the event (Discord, Facebook groups, etc.).
✔️ Make the experience engaging, not just informational.
The worst events:
❌ Are boring and lack energy.
❌ Allow too much pitching/selling.
❌ Have a host who can’t read the room.
St. Pete GRID Launch – 7 Days Away!
We’re in the final stretch before our GRID launch in St. Pete, and I need your help!
My goal is to get at least 50 people in the room.
If you know anyone in the area who would benefit from connecting with like-minded real estate investors, send them my way. Let’s make this event a game-changer.
How to Find, Fund, Fix, and Flip Your Way to Freedom
📅 Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
📍 Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Avenue South · St Pete, FL
RSVP here.
Let’s keep moving forward.
Rob
P.S.: If you are an agent-investor interesting in building your business & portfolio through the power of community, book a call and let's talk about your goals.
