Flex Forward

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet sits down with Greg Roper, a Dallas-based real estate attorney with nearly a decade of experience working in real estate law, subdivision development, and corporate structuring. Greg shares his professional journey—from getting rejected (and then accidentally accepted!) at his first job out of law school, to carving out a niche advising developers and builders across Texas.
Greg and Nic also explore the mindset it takes to thrive in a competitive legal environment, including the importance of mentorship, staying focused amidst distractions, and balancing detail with the big picture. They chat about Greg’s love for travel, how he and his wife are restoring a 113-year-old home, and their plans as they prepare for their first child.
You'll hear about the benefits of passive real estate investing, how travel can push personal growth, and why sometimes the best move in life is just sending one more follow-up email.
 
 
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In this motivating episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, Nic Espanet welcomes attorney, Ironman athlete, author, and entrepreneur Chris Bystriansky. Chris shares how he balances a demanding legal career with endurance training, real estate investing, and creative pursuits like writing and producing content.
The two dive into the power of taking action before you're ready, building resilience through endurance challenges, and creating momentum even during economic downturns. Chris opens up about what drives him, how he’s helping his daughter become a young author, and how anyone can start building passive income — even in uncertain times.
Key Takeaways:
Why action creates motivation (not the other way around)
How endurance sports strengthen your mindset in business
Real estate insights for busy professionals
The inspiration behind his book Renting from My 6-Year-Old
Why he started the free video series “52 for Life”
Connect with Chris Bystriansky:
Website: chrisbystriansky.com
52 for Life: 52forlife.com
 
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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with longtime friend and seasoned entrepreneur Justin Martinez. Justin shares his incredible journey from flipping single-family homes to running multiple successful businesses—including a thriving family legacy at the State Fair of Texas. Discover how a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad sparked Justin’s passion for entrepreneurship, and how a life of intentional living, passive income, and van travel transformed his business mindset.
We dive into:
The origins of Justin’s career in real estate and food service
How the family-run State Fair business scaled from three to multiple locations
Lessons learned from van life and world travel
Why stepping back can actually unlock your best ideas
The power of mentorship, focus, and having a dream big enough to keep going
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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet welcomes long-time friend and IT consultant Sanjeev Silla. From working at top consulting firms to launching his own consultancy focused on healthcare systems, Sanjeev brings years of industry insight to the mic.
Sanjeev shares his journey of transitioning from traditional employment to independent consulting, focusing on implementation and optimization of healthcare IT systems. He emphasizes the power of networking, strategic planning, and the importance of clear communication in large-scale IT projects.
But the conversation doesn't stop at tech—Sanjeev also talks about his passion for financial independence, how Rich Dad Poor Dad shaped his mindset, and how building passive income has allowed him to support his family and make time for what truly matters.
Whether you’re in IT, healthcare, or simply seeking financial freedom, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
 
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In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with longtime friend and investor Curtis Evenson. A retired physician turned world traveler, Curtis shares how he transitioned from a career in medicine to a lifestyle filled with cycling adventures, hunting trips, and real estate investing.
Curtis opens up about the early retirement decision he made in his mid-50s, and how his natural frugality, solid investment habits, and interest in economics played a role in building a sustainable financial future. He talks about moving from Wall Street equities to exploring real estate and private lending as a way to diversify his portfolio—all while maintaining a mostly passive investment strategy.
If you’re wondering what early retirement looks like—or how to position yourself to get there—this episode is packed with real, relatable insight.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What motivated Curtis to retire early and how he planned for it
His journey into real estate investing
The value of understanding basic economics and finance
How he maintains a diversified portfolio in today's market
 
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In this engaging episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with electrical engineer and part-time blues DJ, Paul Bonomi. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and a passion for music, Paul shares how he blends technical expertise with creative pursuits. From adopting new software at work to spinning blues tracks at KNON 89.3 FM, Paul’s story is a mix of consistency, curiosity, and balance.
Tune in to hear about his unique approach to lifelong learning, how he tailors fitness routines to stay injury-free, and his philosophies on long-term investing. Whether you’re into engineering, fitness, music, or financial growth—this episode has a little something for everyone.
What You’ll Learn:
How Paul balances a full-time engineering career with his love for blues music.
Why he believes in becoming an expert in everything he does.
His strategies for staying healthy and avoiding injury.
Thoughts on building financial freedom through consistent investing
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Darren Atwood, a respected physician in rural West Texas, shares a candid journey from his early days in medicine to leading a struggling hospital into national recognition. Through heartfelt stories, including a powerful moment from Nic's own life that Darren witnessed, they unpack what it really means to leave a legacy. From turning hardship into growth to the importance of mentorship and mindset, this episode is rich with insights for anyone rethinking what success truly means.
Listeners will hear:
Why Darren believes happiness and joy are not the same—and how that shift changed his life
The moving story of a childhood friend’s transformation (spoiler: it’s Nic!)
How Darren helped revive a small-town hospital through vision and persistence
Thoughts on wealth, mentorship, and what young adults should really hear about their future
 
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Kathryn Stevens brings a rich mix of marketing expertise and real estate insight to this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast with Nic Espanet. From her early days at Apple to hands-on home renovations and now serving clients as a residential real estate agent, Kathryn shares the winding journey that led her to a career where she thrives.
In this candid conversation, Kathryn discusses her transition into real estate, the lessons learned from flipping a 6,000-square-foot home, and why she loves working closely with a select group of clients. She reflects on how her past experiences—from corporate management to family real estate inspirations—have shaped her people-first approach to real estate.
You’ll hear her thoughts on:
The importance of pivoting when plans shift
What sets her apart in a competitive market
Balancing business ownership with family life
The power of real estate education and community learning
Her future aspirations and the value of varied investment paths
 
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Jeremy Hans began his career as a Navy helicopter pilot before diving headfirst into investing—with a $55K loss during the 2008 market crash. But that failure turned into the foundation of a successful entrepreneurial life. In this episode, Jeremy takes us through his evolution from active duty to real estate syndicator and business operator. He shares what it’s like to scale a classic car restoration company, insights into buying small businesses, and his thoughts on grit, communication, and staying consistent.
You'll hear Jeremy and Nic reflect on real estate challenges, discuss how small actions and personalized outreach set professionals apart, and why EOS (“Traction”) has been a game-changer in business operations. Whether you're navigating business bumps or chasing your next deal, this episode offers practical, battle-tested wisdom.
 
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In this episode, Nic Espanet sits down with long-time friend and seasoned IT professional Kris Becan. Kris shares insights from nearly three decades in the tech industry, where he’s specialized in identity, infrastructure, and security. From earning elite certifications to consulting for major government agencies, Kris discusses what it takes to stand out in a competitive industry.
The conversation goes deeper, touching on personal development through high-performance coaching, the value of accountability in achieving goals, and how Kris overcame major workplace challenges with direct communication. Plus, he opens up about his diversified investment strategy—covering everything from multifamily real estate to oil and gas—and his latest venture into mentorship by bringing on a young intern.
Whether you're in tech, looking to grow personally or professionally, or exploring passive income opportunities, this episode is full of real-life lessons and inspiration.
 
 
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