176: From the Marine Corps to Building Million-Dollar Homes: Austin Hancock’s Story

In this episode, Will Grimes and Eli Schmidt sit down with Austin Hancock, a Marine Corps veteran turned successful real estate investor and performance coach. Austin takes us on his journey from a rebellious youth in Oklahoma to finding discipline in the Marines, and later channeling those lessons into entrepreneurship. He shares raw, unfiltered stories of challenges, triumphs, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career in building luxury homes and transitioning into real estate coaching. This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of taking risks to build a better future.

Join us as we explore the trials of transitioning from military to civilian life, the realities of navigating the high-stakes world of custom home building, and how Austin’s no-nonsense approach to self-improvement and business strategy led him to success. Whether you're a veteran, an entrepreneur, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. [5:15] - The pivotal role of mentorship in sparking Austin's entrepreneurial journey.
2. [12:34] - Overcoming the stigma of failure and embracing risk in real estate investment.
3. [22:11] - The importance of leveraging military discipline and leadership skills in business.
4. [35:45] - Austin’s insights on using social media as a tool for growth and networking.
5. [48:22] - Navigating the complexities of luxury home building and client expectations.
6. [55:18] - Lessons learned from the pain of financial missteps and how it fueled a pivot toward coaching.
7. [1:08:50] - Why continuous learning and adaptability are essential for long-term success.
8. [1:15:33] - The power of community and support systems in personal and professional growth.
9. [1:28:47] - Practical advice for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
10. [1:35:22] - The importance of maintaining humility and being a lifelong student.

Chapter Time Stamps:

• [0:00] - Introduction and banter about podcast changes.
• [3:45] - Austin’s early life in Oklahoma and his rebellious teenage years.
• [15:22] - Finding discipline in the Marine Corps: Austin’s transformation.
• [28:30] - Starting out in construction and lessons from his first entrepreneurial endeavors.
• [42:00] - The challenges of luxury home building and managing client relationships.
• [58:15] - Overcoming financial hardship and learning the importance of pivoting in business.
• [1:10:20] - Transitioning into real estate coaching and mentoring others.
• [1:25:10] - How Austin uses his story to inspire and guide others in business.
• [1:38:50] - Closing reflections on leadership, resilience, and ongoing growth.