Sometimes Borrowers Need a Fresh Start and Stabilization to Clean Up Past Problems
By Dan J. Harkey
Summary
Some fantastic people will work 15 hours a day to make sure that their vision is successful.
Real-life example: a successful closing
Consumers, businesses, or a combination of both can use debt consolidation loans. A funded loan typically reduces the borrower’s monthly payment obligations. Paying off accrued credit card debt and miscellaneous debt should enable the borrower to improve their credit rating and obtain a long-term bank loan.
Private money loans serve as a crucial bridge, alleviating the burden of multiple financial obligations. They guide borrowers to the other end, where they can navigate the institutional loan process and secure a long-term loan. This relief is not just a benefit; it’s a lifeline, offering a profound sense of peace of mind and a clear financial path.
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Article:
The borrower’s mortgage broker states:
My client runs a commercial bakery. It operates from 3 a.m. and delivers bakery goods to donut shops, grocery stores, and boutiques by 7 a.m. Its customer base is within a 10-mile radius of the bakery. They were forced to shut down during the COVID-19 fiasco, but had ongoing expenses, primarily fixed, since their employees were laid off. They hobbled along, accruing a debt of approximately $110,000 through bank loans, a government loan, and credit card debt.
Their business has improved dramatically, but with the hangover, accrued debt averaging 28% interest, they need some breathing room and a fresh start.
They need a second trust deed on their home to eliminate the high-interest rate accrued debt. A second trust deed is a second loan on a property that already has a first trust deed. In simpler terms, it’s a way to use the equity in their home to secure a loan. Their house is valued at $ 1,500,000 with a $650,000 first long-term trust deed. They request a $300,000 second trust deed, payable interest only, due in 36 months. The loan-to-value ratio is 63%, within the lender’s parameters.
Since the loan proceeds are primarily used to pay off business debt, the loan is not considered a consumer-purpose loan subject to Truth in Lending (TILA).
The lender responds:
We frequently encounter situations like this, where small entrepreneurs find themselves in a bind due to unforeseen circumstances such as the COVID-19 fiasco. It’s a stark reality that big corporations were considered systemically important and, therefore, exempt from shutdowns, while smaller players were left to fend for themselves. We understand your challenges and are here to help, offering not only our financial support but also our deep understanding and empathy.
We have reviewed the borrower’s application, background search, credit report, application, financial statement, and bakery financials. They are making a reasonable effort. We will provide sufficient funding to stabilize their business and personal lives.
A significant part of our due diligence is verifying that this loan is considered a business purpose rather than a consumer purpose loan. Business-purpose loans are made for 1 to 4 residential units of real property, where the loan proceeds are used primarily for business purposes. In contrast, a consumer-purpose loan is one in which the proceeds are used mainly for personal, family, or household purposes. ‘Primarily used for business’ is essential. This means that a portion of the loan proceeds, exceeding 50%, must be used for business purposes. A percentage of the loan proceeds (less than 50%) may be for consumer purposes.
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A consumer-purpose loan is one in which the proceeds are used primarily for personal, family, and household purposes. Our company does not make consumer-purpose loans because the regulatory environment is so strict against the lending company if a borrower defaults. We are committed to providing loans primarily used for business purposes.
Let’s get started. The process is designed to be straightforward, with an underwriting closing time of 14 business days. Underwriting is the process of evaluating the risk of lending to a particular borrower. We will guide you through each step to ensure a smooth process, making you feel at ease and confident in the process.
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Financial Elder Abuse in America is at Crisis Proportions
by Dan J. Harkey
Summary
We have degraded our society to encourage entitlements and pursue unearned benefits and parasitic behavior, where criminal-based exploitation has little or no consequences.
Real Life Example:
In a real-life scenario, a grandson, the successor trustee of a family trust, requested a loan using his grandmother’s trust property. This raised suspicions of financial elder abuse, as the grandson intended to use the loan for personal gain rather than for the benefit of his grandmother.
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The Loan Request:
My client is a 94-year-old lady in a retirement home. Her husband has passed away. The property title is in a family trust with multiple beneficiaries, and the grandson acts as successor trustee. The estate will be settled upon Grandma’s death, and proceeds will be distributed to the numerous family beneficiaries. The successor trustee, the grandson, wants to borrow money, using the free and clear single-family asset held in the family trust, as collateral to purchase a franchise business he intends to operate.
Borrower background:
The trust document authorizes the successor trustee (grandson) to convey title in a sale or borrow against the property as the single signer.
The free and clear property is valued at $800,000. The grandson desired to sell the property with the option of purchasing it back in 24 months for maximum cash-out to acquire a franchise business for himself as a 100% owner. His chosen method to obtain capital for his business franchise purchase was to quickly sell the property at a steep discount to get his greedy hands on the proceeds.
The ‘greedy’ grandson planned to borrow quick money and use the property as collateral while waiting for a sale and closing. He was referred to a hard money lender, a private lender typically providing short-term loans secured by real estate, for a short bridge loan. A hard money lender typically provides loans with higher interest rates and shorter terms, often used for real estate investments or in situations where traditional financing is unavailable.
The remaining family beneficiaries did not know that their future inheritance financial benefits would be misappropriated and permanently lost by one greedy relative. Like millions of others, the sociopathic grandson dwells in a self-absorbed dreamland of entitlement. I have met a few of these terrible people.
The competent lender responds.
The lender representing trust deed investors to originate this loan asked the procuring borrower’s loan broker if the elder had legal counsel to represent her interests. Would the borrower’s counsel provide a letter stating that Grandma understood this transaction’s material facts and ramifications? Would you happen to know if the transaction is an appropriate financial decision?
When asked if the elderly grandmother had legal counsel to represent her interests, the loan broker representing the grandson responded. Yes, a lawyer involved only represents the grandson. This response raised a major red flag, as it indicated potential collusion. The lawyer, who only represented the grandson, may have been willing to participate in defrauding the grandmother in the scheme to misappropriate unearned benefits away from the estate.
Any equity or proceeds from the sale of the property or loan proceeds should be reserved to pay for Grandma’s housing and continuing care.
Any prudent and knowledgeable real estate or mortgage broker representing private money trust deed investors will decline this loan request. The procuring borrower’s loan broker representing the greedy grandson will likely continue dialing for dollars to find another sucker lender dumb enough to arrange this transaction.
A procuring loan broker involved in this transaction is a bona fide scoundrel, a term used to describe a person who is genuinely and notoriously dishonest or dishonorable. The property equity has gone, the grandson takes money for personal use, other beneficiaries get screwed, and there is no money to care for grandma’s medical and living expenses. The parasitic scoundrel was waiting for Grandma to die to cover up this fraud. I call this effort ‘Felony Stupid.’
Yes, fraud, elder abuse, and negligent misrepresentation will surface when the beneficiaries left out of their rightful inheritance file a lawsuit against the grandson, mortgage brokers, the borrower’s lawyer, and investor(s) who purchased the trust deeds.
Any reasonable loan broker will run for the hills or hop on a bus, Gus, and drop off the Key Lee to avoid this transaction.
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Comments:
Financial elder abuse relates to the misappropriation of financial resources or assets. An abuser will take, misallocate, misappropriate, secretly obtain, or retain the real or personal property of an elderly or dependent adult for wrongful use, intending to defraud. This is a prevalent issue that requires immediate attention and action.
Third-party support staff members have daily contact and access to older adults and work to instill confidence and trust. Trusted individuals, like family members, paid caregivers, and nursing home staff members, commit most elder abuse cases. We read about these incidents daily. Misappropriating an older person’s financial interests, personal abuse, or intentional negligence is fraud. Known incidents should result in the perpetrator’s prosecution. Unfortunately, too many get away with the abuse because incidents go unreported.
As a real estate professional, your vigilance and awareness can significantly reduce financial elder abuse. Watch for signs of potential financial misappropriation or misrepresentations by any parties. Your feelings or voices are an acting guide to rightness or wrongness. Avoid any transactions that do not pass the conscience test. By being vigilant, you can play a crucial role in preventing such abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The problem is that some people who are described as sociopaths or antisocial personality disorder are said to lack remorse or filter decisions through a conscience. They generally have no bad feelings about their actions that harm others. In the U.S., between 6.25 and 17.7 percent of adults are considered sociopaths, with an average of about 12%. 12% of approximately 260 million adults equals 31 million. The walk among us; ponder that!
All involved parties should be self-aware and vigilant at first notice if a person cannot care for or make decisions for themselves. The self-aware person is the one who notices through personal interaction that something is not right, will notify related parties, and take the necessary action to remedy the situation, whether temporary or permanent. This person is a hero and a star! Millions of people are these heroes and get no credit for their efforts.
Statistics suggest that only 1 in 44 financial abuse cases are reported, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). Reporting is not just important; it’s crucial. NAPSA also notes that elderly victims of financial abuse are three times more likely to die and four times more likely to enter a nursing home without sufficient funds to care for themselves. By reporting, you can help prevent these dire consequences. Your actions can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Elders will be victims of financial crimes perpetrated against them for about 20% of $73 trillion, or $14,600,000,000,000 (trillion with a capital T and 12 zeros) assets that otherwise should go to future beneficiaries will be misappropriated or stolen. This staggering figure underscores the prevalence and urgency of the issue.
An estimate of the average baby boomer family wealth might be $2,000,000. The calculation means that there would be an estimated 20% of the wealth (14,600,000,000,000/2,000,000=7,300,000) separate incidents of elder financial abuse. This prevalence is alarming. For this estimate, let’s assume this is over ten years +/—730,000 separate elder abuse incidences per year, or 2,000 new ones every day. This awareness should prompt us to be more cautious and vigilant.
We have degraded our society to encourage entitlements and pursue unearned benefits and parasitic behavior, where criminal-based exploitation has little or no consequences. Any act of eroding a person’s lifetime earnings and financial stability is an unheard-of, terrible act. Any involvement by a fiduciary is a fraud.
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For many American homeowners, the bulk of their net worth is created by the long-term equity creation in their primary home. Later in life, the home wealth may be used as a way to pay for medical expenses for the homeowners or other family members whether or not they have sufficient amounts of medical or life insurance benefits.
Here in 2025, the big three monthly expenses for a high percentage of Americans are medical, insurance, and housing costs for both owners and renters. Today, these big three costs are all at or near all-time record highs. As a result, this combination of so many unaffordable expenses are financially draining for more people and it’s incredibly challenging to set aside cash reserves.
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The #1 cause of financial insolvency and bankruptcy filings here in the U.S. is directly related to unpaid medical bills. Some past surveys found that upwards of 80% of those Americans who were forced to file for bankruptcy due primarily to medical bills did, in fact, have medical insurance coverage in place at the time.
Sadly, the medical insurance coverage wasn’t high enough to cover the medical bills and/or the cash payment deductibles required to pay these bills weren’t achievable for many cash-strapped medical patients or their families.
Debt, Divorce, and Home Listings
The #2 cause of financial insolvency for Americans is due to divorce which, in turn, is most likely associated with financial stress between the once loving married couple. Oftentimes, the unpaid medical bills for one or both spouses were the major financial strain that led to both significant money pressures and the subsequent divorce, tragically.
Here are marriage, family, and divorce trends that I’ve compiled and shared over the years in articles and books as it partly relates to the most important family word that’s located right in the middle of the “single-family home” description:
Marriage and Divorce Trends
* The overall divorce rate in Orange County, CA is 72%; it’s 60% in California; and 50%+ nationwide. * 41% of first marriages end in divorce, 60% of second marriages end in divorce, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. * The average length of a marriage in the U.S. that ends in divorce is 8 years from start to finish. * Couples who spent more than $20,000 on their wedding were 3.5 times more likely to divorce than those who spent between $5,000 and $10,000, as per Emory University. * Unmarried parents who live together are more likely to break up than married parents, per the Brookings Institute. * Since 1990, divorce rates for people over 50 have doubled; they’ve tripled for people over 65. * The U.S. now has the highest percentage of single-person households in the world and lowest marriage rates ever. * U.S. fertility rates are the lowest ever, as fewer babies are born. * USA is #1 for highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world. * Approximately 50% of children are born to unmarried women under 30 here in the USA.
These ongoing declining marriage and family trends will likely negatively impact future single-family home trends at some point in the future.
The divorce then inspires the homeowners to sell their family home to pay off both the unpaid medical bills and the rising legal costs associated with the ongoing divorce and unpaid collections related to the medical bills.
There are more than 1.2 million spouses involved in a divorce nationwide each year, as per sources like the CDC. Roughly 61% of all divorcees involved in a divorce end up listing their primary family home which, in turn, works out to more than 732,000 home listings per year that are as a result of divorce, per sources like Smart Agents.
Because there’s an epidemic of skyrocketing unpaid medical bills, financial insolvency, and subsequent divorces, there’s an increasing number of real estate agents who focus on divorce listings for homeowners who really have very few options but to sell their beloved family homes to pay off their expenses.
Medical Debt, Insufficient Insurance & Bankruptcy
An estimated 100 million Americans owe more than $220 billion dollars in medical bills despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) back in 2010.
Approximately two-thirds, or a rather devilish 66.6% of Americans, who file Chapter 7 (complete liquidation) or Chapter 13 (bankruptcy payment plan over a few years) bankruptcy do so primarily due to unpaid medical bills, according to sources like SmartFinancial. As per this same medical bill and bankruptcy analysis, it’s equivalent to 550,000 people each year who file for medical bill-related bankruptcy protection even though 80% of these same indebted consumers had health insurance coverage at the time of their bankruptcy filing.
There are many more U.S. consumers who have unpaid medical bills who don’t file for bankruptcy protection than those people who do file for bankruptcy by a factor of more than 30-to-1.
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For example, upwards of 14 million people, which is about 6% of American adults, owe more than $1,000 in unpaid medical bills. Additionally, another three million Americans owe more than $10,000 in medical bills. If true, this works out to 17 million Americans with unpaid medical debt as compared to 550,000 Americans who file for bankruptcy each year due partly to medical debt at a ratio of more than 30-to-1.
These unpaid medical bills can later end up as collection accounts with more aggressive debt collectors who may report the debt on a consumer’s credit report. If so, the declining credit scores for certain consumers can make it very challenging to qualify for various types of consumer loans such as for credit cards, automobile, business, and mortgage loans.
Homeowners who have too much wealth to file for bankruptcy protection from unpaid medical bills do have several ways to pull cash out of their home or investment properties as I’ve shared in past articles such as How to Leverage Real Estate to Reduce Medical Debt.
Is insurance the new “mortgage” payment?
An increasing number of Americans may pay more for medical insurance each month than they do for housing expenses as either a homeowner or tenant. For others, they may pay more each month for homeowners or landlord insurance premiums than they do for mortgage or rent payments, especially in certain high-risk insurance regions like Florida and California.
Past articles from sources like the New York Times have described health care insurance payments as the “new mortgage” for many homeowners who are now struggling to pay their medical bills, insurance, and housing costs in addition to other regular bills like groceries.
* A bill of over $40,000 for the 20 minutes it took for a doctor to stitch a cut. * An ambulance ride of just 200 feet cost $3,421.
Younger married couples may pay more for monthly child care than they do for their monthly housing costs. If so, these rising costs for parents who want one or more children may not be financially practical for them, sadly. This is one major reason why U.S. fertility rates are now at all-time record lows.
In many high-risk flood, storm, or fire regions, the monthly homeowners or landlord insurance premiums might’ve increased somewhere between 25% and up to as high as 1,000% in recent years. As a result, the monthly insurance premiums may be much higher than the mortgage payment as I’ve shared in recent articles such as The Drying Disaster-Relief Insurance Pools.
The Housing and Insurance Umbrella Protection
The greatest form of wealth is good health and happiness. We should all focus, first and foremost, on being as healthy as possible. Otherwise, the outrageously expensive medical bills and rising out-of-pocket deductible cash payment requirements can be financially devastating.
The insurance, real estate, mortgage, and medical sectors are all tied together in many ways with money being the root link between them. We all need sufficient amounts of insurance protection to protect us from any potential known or unknown future risks for both our properties and our bodies.
If someone doesn’t have enough insurance protection in place for medical expenses and/or housing, then he or she might end up penniless and in bankruptcy court.
Again, you’re more likely than not to create the vast majority of your overall net worth from the equity gained in the ownership of your primary home. However, you’re also likely to end up broke by future unpaid medical bills that may or may not be paid 100% by your insurance carrier if you’re fortunate enough to have any medical insurance at the time of the medical billing.
It’s generally very wise to reach out to your most trusted insurance, real estate, and mortgage advisors to assist you with the most creative, affordable, and safest combinations of financial planning that can keep you and your family protected like a sturdy umbrella in an approaching dark and destructive rainstorm.
Rick Tobin
Rick Tobin has worked in the real estate, financial, investment, and writing fields for the past 30+ years. He’s held eight (8) different real estate, securities, and mortgage brokerage licenses to date and is a graduate of the University of Southern California. He provides creative residential and commercial mortgage solutions for clients across the nation. He’s also written college textbooks and real estate licensing courses in most states for the two largest real estate publishers in the nation; the oldest real estate school in California; and the first online real estate school in California. Please visit his website at Realloans.com for financing options and his new investment group at So-Cal Real Estate Investors for more details.
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My father was a meticulous man. A planner. A visionary. He had prepared for everything—or so he thought. He even anticipated that he would pass away before my mother. But life had a different plan. In their 80s, they were still vibrant world travelers, exploring countries hand-in-hand, collecting memories instead of things. Illness seemed distant, even impossible. Yet when it struck, it shook everything. Without long-term care insurance in place, my father was forced to dip into the savings he worked a lifetime to build. Yes, he had managed to Create Wealth, but that wealth was never intended to be spent this way. It was a hard and expensive lesson: over $15,000 a month just to care for my mother at home.
That experience transformed my perspective—and my purpose. I’ve seen far too many people who dedicated their lives to hard work, yet watched everything slip away due to a lack of planning. Some lost it all in nursing homes. Others in market crashes. Some simply had the wrong paperwork. I’ve watched life savings evaporate not from irresponsibility, but from unawareness. This is why I speak with passion. This is why I now help others achieve Financial Growth with wisdom and foresight—so their life’s work doesn’t disappear, but instead becomes a foundation for freedom and security.
If you’re around age 50, now is the time to think about long-term care planning. It’s not too early, and certainly not too late. Long-term care insurance isn’t just about covering medical bills—it’s about preserving dignity, maintaining control, and protecting your lifestyle. It empowers you to Create income you will never outlive, by safeguarding your assets from unexpected medical events. It allows you to age in place with grace, surrounded by familiarity, not fear.
People often delay these decisions, thinking they’ll have time or that it won’t happen to them. But the truth is, planning isn’t for the sick—it’s for the wise. It’s about taking the time, while you’re healthy, to secure the lifestyle and independence you cherish. When you Create Wealth, it’s not just for show—it’s for sustaining your quality of life in every chapter, especially the most vulnerable ones.
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Imagine growing older with peace of mind, knowing that your savings are intact, your family isn’t burdened, and your care is guaranteed. That’s what I want for you—to experience Financial Growth not only in your career but also in your retirement. To live confidently, knowing you’ve structured a future that honors your work, your values, and your loved ones.
Don’t leave it to chance. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today. Create income you will never outlive. Create Wealth that lasts beyond you. Build a legacy not just of money—but of wisdom, preparation, and love.
Are you looking for new opportunities to grow your wealth through real estate? Join our exclusive webinar tailored for savvy investors like you.
On this special and exclusive webinar, we will UNLOCK the secrets to financial success in your real estate career!
Join us for an insightful workshop as Tony Watson, a Tax Advisor from Robert Hall & Associates, will guide you through essential financial tax strategies to optimize your business expenses and maximize deductions.
In this seminar, you will learn:
– Effective budgeting techniques for your business- How to distinguish between deductible and non-deductible expenses – Informed decision-making for reinvesting your income – The benefits of establishing an LLC or corporation – Payroll management best practices- How to leverage financial tools for long-term success
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and enhance your financial acumen!
Tony Watson personally manages clients with over $500 Million dollars in real estate holdings. He has spoken for hundreds of trade organizations throughout the State of California. Holding a federal license as an Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, Tony can advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other entity with tax-reporting requirements.
Aside from his full-time position at Robert Hall & Associates, Tony is an active real estate investor, entrepreneur and enjoys short and long term trading. With over a decade and a half of experience, Tony, along his team at Robert Hall & Associates, actively look for the newest and most up-to-date strategies to implement on client tax filings. They all operate with the same goal in mind: to help taxpayers keep more of their wealth and not overspend with the federal and state revenue agencies. Representatives from Robert Hall & Associates will be at Realty411’s Invest with Confidence Expo, learn more below.
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The recent purchases add an additional 565 units to the company’s growing portfolio
Denver, CO (June 2025) – Consolidated Investment Group (CIG), a leading-edge real estate investment company managing a large commercial portfolio, is proud to announce the recent purchase of apartment communities in the Denver and Dallas metro areas. The company now has more than 7,850 apartment units in its growing portfolio.
The Denver community is Aura Colliers Hill (which will be rebranded by CIG), located in Erie, CO, just 25 miles north of Denver. The sale price was not disclosed. The property is a three story, garden product and includes 329 units. It was completed in 2024 by Trinsic Residential Group, the seller.
“This acquisition reflects our belief in the long-term growth and desirability of Erie. It aligns well with our strategy of acquiring distinctive quality assets in markets with long-term upside,” said Logan Clark, CIG’s acquisition manager.
The Dallas community is The International at Valley Ranch, located in Irving, TX within the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. The sales price was not disclosed. The property is four stories and includes 236 units with surface and garage parking. It was completed in 2024 by Criterion Development Partners, the seller.
“The International is a differentiated, high-quality product in a DFW submarket with compelling fundamentals, making it a strong addition to CIG’s portfolio,” said Clark.
CIG, a long-term holder, currently has ownership interests in more than 7,850 apartment units throughout the United States. A majority of these apartment communities are located in strong in-fill neighborhoods and are considered Class A properties. CIG is actively expanding its multifamily portfolio via development and acquisitions. Target markets include Denver, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Raleigh, Nashville and Phoenix.
More information regarding Consolidated Investment Group is available at www.ciginvest.com.
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Learn all the strategies that top real estate investors use to keep more money, protect their assets, and improve their lives. We have important information from leading experts in the financial and real estate sectors ready to share their insight with our guests at Realty411’s Invest with Confidence Summit on Saturday, July 19th, 2025.
Joining us for a special day of education and insight starting at 9 AM are savvy real estate educators, such as Michael Ryan, a top Mortgage Broker. Michael is ready to provide timely as well as time-tested advice.
Michael Ryan,
Mortgage Broker
Learn More About Michael:
35 years primary focus financing on real estate secured property
25 years – build, subdivide, notes, bulk, rehab, reposition, etc
Education focused, armchair economist.
He will share a bullet-point presentation on:
Myths vs. Facts
The Build
Clarifying Investment Plans
Why Each Person / Plan is Different
The Need for Agnostic Advice
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In the Rocky Mountain Region, downtown Denver is unfortunately experiencing lost business, vacating office buildings, and an out-migration of residents due to a number of factors, including crime, property taxes, and a general disillusionment with the direction of the City. While this is bad news for the urban core, it creates new opportunities for growth and investment in small towns and emerging suburbs outside the metro area.
One of these locations is the Town of Firestone, just 40 miles north of the Mile High City. Firestone was established in 1908 as a coal mining community. At that time, the town was little more than a quiet community. Firestone remained a small town until its boom began in 2000; the population soared from 1,908 in 2000 to 10,147 in 2010. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Town grew 431 percent during that time, making it the fastest-growing community in Colorado. And while Firestone still maintains its rural charm, it is evolving into a location that many profitable businesses are turning their attention to, and people are choosing to reside.
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In fact, Firestone’s population continues to grow, and numerous companies, developers, and business interests have either committed to growth and investment in Firestone or are on the cusp of doing so.
The Town of Firestone began 2025 with several strategic business partnerships in place. Some of the most recent business-friendly ventures in Firestone include a development agreement with retail giant Target, a cooperative development plan agreement with an oil and gas partner, and a new 252-acre mixed-use development ready to break ground this year.
Here is some of the exciting news the town is looking forward to:
A Proactive Work Plan
The Board of Trustees has adopted a proactive Work Plan to attract more businesses and establish more strategic partnerships to help the community thrive and grow for years to come. As people and businesses look for safe and welcoming environments to live and work, Firestone has already done a great deal to differentiate itself from other Colorado locales.
Target Development
This project is anticipated to be 128,000 square feet, will sell a mix of general merchandise and grocery items, and will have dedicated spaces for online shoppers to pick up their purchases conveniently. The Town of Firestone anticipates construction beginning in 2025 and the store opening in 2026. The project is anticipated to create a substantial economic benefit for Firestone by significantly increasing sales, use, property taxes, and other revenues for the Town. In addition, it will increase local employment opportunities and provide a much-needed and desired opportunity for community members to shop closer to home.
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Water Plan
Like many other communities along the Front Range, the Town of Firestone has had to think creatively to ensure that both raw and treated water demands can be met for the next 50+ years. In 2020, the Board of Trustees adopted the 2020–2050 Water Action Plan to address these critical needs. This Plan sets Firestone on a path toward greater water independence, diversifies our water portfolio, and lays the foundation for sustainable growth.
Since 2004, the Town has invested more than $76 million in building a financially responsible, forward-looking water system for our residents and businesses. Through the 2020–2050 Water Action Plan, Firestone is reclaiming control over our water destiny, our costs, and our infrastructure, ensuring better service for the community. This Plan supports our growing population and helps attract the retail, commercial, and restaurant amenities our residents want and deserve.
Firestone Central Park
Since acquiring the 252-acre Central Park in 2005, the Town has explored various uses and developed multiple conceptual plans for this property. Central Park is already home to the Carbon Valley Regional Library, Town Hall, and the Municipal Court and Police Department Building. Since 2021, the Town has undertaken extensive efforts to prepare for development, including public outreach, creating a Master Plan (approved in 2021), and feasibility analyses with expert consultants. The vision for Central Park is to be a vibrant community gathering place that will serve generations to come, featuring mixed-use spaces, recreational opportunities, education, sports, entertainment, dining, and retail.
The Town is continuing to partner with a team of experts to guide a collaborative planning process, bringing together residents, Town leadership, and potential partners, with the goal of breaking ground on this project in 2025.
Oil & Gas Partnership
The Town of Firestone strongly believes in collaborating with our energy partners. A cooperative relationship and a balanced approach are best for the Firestone community. Kerr-McGee prepared a drilling plan with three locations outside but near Firestone limits. In exchange for Firestone’s willingness to grant right-of-way access permits and enter into certain license agreements, the company agreed to some substantial elements that greatly benefit the Town:
A one-time cash payment of $4 million to the Town of Firestone
A land donation of 78 acres to the Town of Firestone, this land is located at the southwest corner of Grant Avenue and Frontier Street.
Specific operational standards to mitigate impacts to residents around the operations and within the Town of Firestone
The commitment to plug and abandon 57 wells within the Town of Firestone boundaries.
In November 2024, because Kerr-McGee had met certain operational milestones, the one-time cash payment was delivered, and the land donation was complete. In addition, the plugging and abandoning process of the 57 wells is ongoing.
Residential Development
Like many communities along the Front Range, Firestone has experienced strong residential growth. From large master-planned communities with outstanding amenities to diverse multi-family developments, there are housing options for everyone. The Town of Firestone has made it a priority to establish high-quality standards that attract top builders, including Richmond American Homes, Brookfield Residential, Lennar, and The Blackburn Group.
Looking ahead, the Town anticipates adding approximately 7,000 new dwelling units over the next 10-15 years. This continued growth will further support ongoing efforts to expand retail, restaurant, and community amenities that enhance the quality of life for all Firestone residents.
Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region provide numerous investment opportunities to people and companies looking for places to grow and expand their business. While overlooked in the past, towns such as Firestone are coming to the forefront as places more than ready to welcome new residents and businesses, especially as big cities lose their appeal.
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Social capital, a cornerstone of the business community, is the value attached to network formation, built-up trust, and reciprocal relationships. This concept, centered on shared values, strong ties, consistency, and cooperation, is instrumental in advancing each other’s goals and objectives.
Personal branding, a potent tool, is the intentional and strategic practice of defining and promoting one’s values as an individual and potential business partner. By limiting one’s values, goals, and purpose, and showcasing one’s qualities, we can effectively shape our professional image and stand out among the possibilities. It’s the intentional and strategic practice of defining and promoting one’s values as an individual and someone with whom one could potentially do business. The process involves defining one’s values, goals, and purpose while showcasing one’s qualities to the public and proving why they might want to do business with us. It’s a powerful tool that empowers us to shape our professional image and stand out among the possibilities; it’s our job to make the most of it.
The keys are authenticity, tenacity, executing your plan through action habits, consistency, and being “ever-present.”
Historical orders, customs, practices, traditions, rules, and habits were all considered reliable until now. They have all changed. My expectation of how to do business has been permanently disrupted…
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Article:
Everything has been redefined, including time, space, rules, interactions with others, delivery, operational methods, and social media platforms, to reflect the immediacy and speed of communications. I call the process’ light speed differential communication’ because it signifies the rapid and varied communication sound bites available today. This term emphasizes the fast-paced nature of modern communication, where parties may not always have the time to form lasting bonds.
The shift from the familiar order of things we’ve practiced over a long history into unfamiliar territories is necessitating new learning techniques and strategies such as automating everything, AI-driven marketing, personalized customer communication (e.g., webinars, Zoom meetings, customized personal emails), speed text messaging, and data-driven decision-making (e.g., predictive analytics, customer segmentation).
Due to the dynamic changes, individuals have never had a better time to invest or reinvent themselves to understand modern methods and strategies. The problem, however, is that tens of thousands of people are doing the same thing, competing for the time, space, and attention.
Developing long-term, lasting relationships has become lost in the shuffle. We cannot sit around, create a website, make periodic posts, and wait for texts, email responses, or the phone to ring.
Adapting to these new techniques is not just a choice but a necessity in the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. The sooner we embrace these changes, the better equipped we will be to navigate the future of marketing, feeling motivated and driven.
Historic Shift:
Customs, practices, and order of priorities have dramatically shifted to a radically new paradigm. Building relationships, thereby creating social capital, has also undergone a shift. In this new era, friends do business with friends, and reliable relationships have been replaced with ‘light-speed differential communications,’ a term we use to describe the rapid and varied communication sound bites available today. Adapting to these new methods is crucial to staying competitive. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_capital
The prevailing approach of solely relying on social media for business or sales outreach will diminish over time. Lightning-speed, attention-grabbing messages or sensational content aimed at unknown prospects (leads) will likely lose effectiveness over time.
Expanding business opportunities and fostering new relationships are crucial for personal growth and business success. These elements are the foundation for achieving higher goals and driving business growth. There will likely be a resurgence and re-emphasis on building strong relationships as the key strategy for sustainable success. This shift will make us, the business participants, feel valued and integral to the process.
Most people have changed their reading habits. They watch and listen to podcasts focused on digital audio and video content available for downloading or streaming. They don’t seem to answer their phones as they used to, and they don’t always respond to emails for marketing purposes or precisely targeted communication about a specific subject, such as a transaction. But one thing is sure: everywhere they go, they look down at their phones so attentively that they miss everything around them.
The most effective marketing tool today is texting prospects, which is short and to the point, necessitating the collection of phone numbers rather than email addresses. However, the process must be done individually, with some personalization rather than a mass text software package. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are easy ways to make calls, send texts, and use applications with our voice. They can draft and send personalized messages and reminders, making them time-saving, valuable tools in this approach. These virtual assistants, with constant upgrades of artificial intelligence (AI), make them indispensable.
We may first call and leave a message; when the prospect does not answer, we can follow up with an email or text message. For instance, if you’re a financial advisor, you could send a message like, ‘I am checking to see if you need any advice on your retirement planning or investment strategies.’ This personalized approach demonstrates that you understand their needs and are prepared to provide a solution.
These technological disruptions necessitate our adaptation to stay competitive in the market. It’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve in our field, and quick learning and adaptation techniques will make us feel prepared and proactive in the face of these changes.
Here are a few terms that we must become comfortable with:
These are essential tools for businesses that streamline marketing processes, enhance engagement, and improve performance. There are dozens to search out and install for overall improvements in our marketing efforts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Automatic Language (AL)
Automatic Language (AL) is an advanced technology that analyzes text inputs, recognizes patterns, and classifies text into natural language processing algorithms.
In marketing, AI is advancing the human interface and communication with machines and computer systems, enabling more efficient and personalized customer communication.
This technology is revolutionizing how we interact with customers and is a key trend in marketing.
Eventually, AL will drive most of our marketing activities. Analytics and algorithms will drive everything from search engines to service searches, identifying our unique abilities based on our participation in the tech system.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
This is the art and science of getting pages to rank higher in search engines such as Google
Ranking higher leads to increased traffic to your website.
There are free SEO tools to help plan and execute your strategy.
Tools include Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMRush, which have features to find keywords, audit your site, and generate backlinks.
The content below was taken from the Digital Marketing Institute.
Search engines are the trusted tools people turn to when they have a query and search online for the answer. They play a crucial role in providing the exact results that searchers seek, ensuring the process is reliable and accurate, which should assure you of the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
Search engine algorithms are complex computer programs that analyze various factors to provide searchers with the most relevant results. These algorithms form the backbone of search engines, enabling them to find and rank web pages for any given keyword. The complexity of these algorithms underscores the need for professional guidance in navigating the world of search engine optimization (SEO).
There are three steps to how search engines work: crawling, indexing, and ranking.
Search Engine Crawling, Spiders
The first step is crawling. Search engines send messages to find new web crawlers’ pages and record their information. We sometimes refer to these web crawlers as ‘spiders,’ ‘robots,’ or ‘Google bots.’
Their purpose is to discover new web pages and periodically check the content on previously visited pages to see if it has changed or been updated.
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Natural Language Processing (NLP):
Bots, short for robots, are computer programs designed to perform automated tasks without specific human instructions. These tasks include crawling webpages, engaging in conversations with users, and automating repetitive tasks that humans would otherwise perform. Bots can be programmed to imitate human behavior and can also be used to perform malicious activities, such as malware.
These are the chatbots featuring beautiful women who want to connect with you and eventually have you send them money, with the expectation of a personal visit.
There are various types of bots, including spider bots, scraper bots, spam bots, social media bots, download bots, and ticketing bots. Some are good, and some are bad.
Change is Dynamic:
New and current methods of developing and sustaining relationships are not about shaking hands with 500 or 1,000 people, maintaining communication with them, becoming friends, and doing business as usual. Instead, they are somewhat data-driven, magnifying or leveraging performance through algorithmic data management.
Reading is a powerful tool that can counteract ill-informed opinions. But, as Mark Twain aptly said, “If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you read the newspaper, you are ill-informed.” This highlights the importance of seeking out reliable sources of information to remain empowered and knowledgeable in the face of change. Truth in the news is generally only found through alternative media.
Many of our activities are so fast-paced that we cannot keep up, and therefore, we have limited time for relationship-building. Much of our work function is now modified to rely on technology, replacing face-to-face and telephone correspondence.
The accelerating speed of change is upon us, and we have said goodbye to the old methods for good. At best, we can capture the attention of prospects for a few microseconds or a minute to gauge their interest in our services, which is a challenging task but doable. We can embrace and adopt change willingly or be left in the dust of history alongside the Rolodex client file system and the business lunch. For those who do not remember the Rolodex, it was a desktop card index system featuring a round, rotating spindle with removable cards attached to it. The salesperson would record client information, indexed from A to Z.
Future companies may have only five employees, but they operate like a 50-person company 20-30 years ago. How we operate with today’s advanced technology can give the illusion of a much larger company.
There is a shift to a free-agent nation, where independence is paramount, and mobility is essential to success.
Herein lies the need for an executive administrative assistant, independent contractor staffing, and high-tech independent contractors locally or from around the world (somewhere) who can work magic in the tech-driven marketing and follow-up process.
The 80/20 Rule Will Not Change:
Twenty percent of a salesperson’s or an organization’s activities contribute to only 80% of the results. Conversely, 80% of our activities account for 20% of our results. This powerful insight can be applied to various aspects of our lives. For instance, in personal productivity, you can identify and focus on 20% of tasks that yield 80% of your results. In sales and business management, you can identify the 20% of customers that generate 80% of your revenue. The new tools available can ignite our motivation and drive for success, inspiring us to maximize our efforts and achieve more.
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