What happens when a Hollywood producer trades movie sets for multifamily properties? Michael Jacobs, founder of Mar Vista Entertainment (sold to Fox Studios), shares his transition from 25 years in entertainment to building a vertically integrated real estate empire in Pittsburgh.
[00:01 - 08:05] From Hollywood Producer to Real Estate Investor
- Built Mar Vista Entertainment from a 2003 business plan to Fox Studios acquisition
- Specialized in $5M-and-under movie production for Netflix, Disney Channel, Lifetime
- The decision to transition away from Hollywood's demanding travel schedule
- Started with three duplexes to test the rental market in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill
[08:06 - 15:40] Building a Vertically Integrated Real Estate Business
- How frustration with general contractors led to building an in-house construction team
- The challenge of 100-year-old infrastructure: cast iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiring
- Expanding from rental properties to becoming one of Pittsburgh's premier design-build firms
- Why complete gut renovations became the standard approach for old housing stock
[15:41 - 22:10] The "Singles and Doubles" Business Philosophy
- Why avoiding the pressure for home runs and grand slams builds sustainable businesses
- The danger of social media hype and "get rich quick" mentalities
- How to test, measure, and scale gradually while watching the numbers
- Balancing tenant satisfaction with property upgrades to reduce turnover
[22:11 - 28:40] Final Four & Building for the Future
- Worst job: Cleaning motel rooms for $6/hour time-and-a-half on Sundays
- Paradigm-shifting book: "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell
- Skill to learn: Guitar (joining the ranks of aspiring musical entrepreneurs)
- Success definition: Providing for family and keeping nine children and two grandchildren happy
Connect with Michael:
Website: https://marvistadb.com
LinkedIn: Michael Jacobs
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Tweetable Quotes:
"The numbers drive everything at the end of the day. " - Michael Jacobs
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