Interviews with 25 Maui Mastermind™ Grads!
JJ Pawlowski
Real Estate Broker and Business Owner (2-Time Maui Grad)
How did you first hear about Maui? From Andrea Trout, a 3-time Maui grad. The energy changes I saw in Andrea in the "before Maui" versus the "after Maui" stages were exciting. When I saw the difference it made in her life I wanted to be part of it.
How was your first year’s experience at Maui? My experience at Maui for my first event was nothing short of phenomenal. Meeting everyone, networking and masterminding, and the great material made it all worth it.
What was the scariest part of coming to Maui that first time? If you were really honest with yourself, what (if any) anxieties or fears did you have around your participation in Maui back that first time? The scariest part was feeling like a peon. I thought I must be the "little guy" in a group of elites. While there certainly were elite people there, I never felt little at all. Everyone made me feel more than welcomed. There was a high level of teamwork. I don't think anyone could feel small in such a great group of people.
If you could offer one simple piece of advice to a first time participant in Maui, what would it be? Don't allow your anxieties or fears hold you back. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
What have been the biggest changes in your life since first coming to Maui? The biggest change is the fact I no longer think small or think I cannot do something. The very first time I heard about Maui Mastermind, from Andrea, my exact comments to her were, "I don't think I could ever do something like that. I might have to quit my job. I wouldn't know how I could ever afford to go to some event at that caliber. There's no way. Only really successful people would be there and I don't think I am one of them."
I was wrong on all accounts, except quitting my job. I quit three weeks after returning home from Maui and it was the best thing I ever did (except going to Maui). I never would have dreamed that this was possible. And I did become a quitter, a Maui Quitter.
David Gimbel
Real Estate Entrepreneur (2-Time Maui Grad)
What drew you to attend Maui that first year? I had been a subscriber to Diane Kennedy's e-letter on tax advice for some time and chose to attend the Mini Maui in Tempe, Arizona since all the proceeds went to charity. It took me more than a week to process and to get my head around all of the content, but it had a real impact on my thoughts and plans going forward.
One of the outgrowths of this was going on a trip to Juarez Mexico to help out at some orphanages there. I joined up with and worked alongside several other Maui Grads, and they just felt like long lost family. I had an instant rapport and connection with them that I had not experienced before, but had been seeking for a long time--true peers! I thought if I could meet just two or three more of these people that it would be worth every penny of the Maui Mastermind event.
The money was a big hurdle to get over initially, but the whole point of Maui is to really stretch yourself and get outside of your normal boundaries so you can get to the next level. That $30,000 is just one of the first stretches for me.
The bottom line is that we met at Maui, not just 3 or 4, but 80 people who were instant peers that had already achieved a certain level of success. It was such an amazing experience that we signed up for the next year and the following year, and probably every year from here out.
If you suddenly found people that could assist you in your successes, who would be your coaches, mentors, resources, and seemed to you like long lost family, not just peers, but people who actually encouraged you to believe in your dreams that helped you to succeed. If you found 50 to 100 people like that, what wouldn't you pay to go back and associate with them on an on-going basis? It's priceless!
My goals are pretty big and I think it’s difficult to put them in to words that a general audience can understand. Where else can you find peers who can support and assist you in goals that could generate $10,000,000 over the next 10 years?
What was the scariest part of coming to Maui that first time? First I’d say it was the cost and the unknown. Attending the Mini Maui and talking with the Hergatts [two-time Maui Grads who are returning for their third year] and other Maui alumni helped ease that. I wondered what we'd get out of it and would it be worth the cost. I also was anxious about what we’d have to contribute or if everyone would be way beyond us.
Looking back now what was your first year’s experience like?It was very much as described by David at the Mini-Maui, but with a much higher "bar" of expectations. Everyone was playing much more "full out" and involved than in any seminar setting I've ever attended (even Mini-Maui). I'm pretty bright, but it took me 3 days at Maui before I really understood (emotionally) that I was there to source/serve other people, not for what I could "get" for my $30,000. Once I realized this, it made a world of difference. The cost no longer mattered when I looked at the big picture. Actually, I feel that it helped weed out people who weren’t really serious about changing, learning or contributing to the group. When you have that amount of capital on the line, you get pretty focused!
What has been the biggest difference in your life since coming home from Maui? The formation of new partnerships; peers I who can grow, learn and "green-hat" ideas with; people who I value and who value me; learning how to better balance our lives; and development of new businesses and projects beyond what I've previously imagined was possible.
The people have always had the greatest impact. I definitely believe that one's success is always directly related to one's peer group--and these are definitely the peers that can help me to grow and achieve far greater things.
Click Here to Apply to Join Us in Maui!
Harold Fox
Entrepreneur and Investor (3-Time Maui Grad)
How did you first learn about Maui? I had been a real estate investor which is how I met David Finkel. I went to a seminar of his. His approach to investing was not only about real estate but it was a holistic or value based approach that was more about the person and the opportunity and the technical knowledge as well.
How do you think Maui impacts people’s lives? It will change your life. Your eyes will never have the same vantage point after Maui. It opens your mind. It changes your perspective. We all come in with our own paradigms but by the time you leave you’ll understand just what is possible for you.
We are taught and trained to go to school, get a good job, work for someone else, and hopefully by the age of 65 you will have saved enough to retire. But no one talked about dreaming anymore. No one talked about following your passions. At Maui you’ll learn the mindset which allows you to dream and follow your passions. Plus you’ll learn how to work with other people who have different passions that you can utilize to create synergy so that together you can take on bigger challenges not just for yourself, but for others.
Since Maui I have started up a successful new business and built relationships with some of the best people I’ve ever met. You can do the same thing.
What would you suggest to someone who still wants to make that jump but hasn’t? Start at a bookstore. Get a copy of The Maui Millionaires or The Maui Millionaires for Business. It will give you a flavor of what’s possible. Then get to a Mini Maui event. You’ll also be able to learn from other people who have already done it themselves. You can utilize their skills and knowledge to help you build. Success is a team sport. And finally, if you’re ready to step up and play on a whole new level, come to Maui.
Graham Peake
Commercial Property Management (3-Time Maui Grad)
What keeps you coming back year after year after year? I still come back for the breakthroughs and paradigm shifts but also I have come to value the relationships I have developed and the new ones I will form.
What was your biggest fear about coming to Maui that very first time?The scariest part of coming to Maui the first time was thinking I was going to be way out of my league.
What would be your advice for a first time Maui participant? I would tell them to relax and not compare yourself to anyone else. You would not be there if you did not have something to offer. I would also tell you to just share and be yourself because that is when the magic happens.
Emanuel H. Botelho
Doctor of Chiropractic and Real Estate Investor (3-Time Maui Grad)
How did you first hear about Maui Mastermind? After attending Robert Kiyosaki's 5-Day Seminar in Arizona my wife and I started receiving information via email from Diane Kennedy. We received an email from Diane regarding the first Maui event but could not attend because we were expecting our first child at the time and thought it would be best to go the following year, which we did.
Why did you come that first year? I would have to say it was Diane's email as I explained above. We thought that it would be a fabulous opportunity!
You’ve been to Maui three times now, what keeps you coming back? I think the first year we attended Maui we thought we would be learning a tremendous amount of "new" information (content). As I look back I should have know it’s really not about the content... but rather it’s about the context. I look at Maui like this: the information that we get is phenomenal but the information is the “liquid” inside the glass, and I'm the glass.
Maui is an opportunity for self discovery and an opportunity to make great changes not only personally but potentially globally! I hope the event and its attendees continue to push me to that discovery.
What was your biggest fear about coming to Maui that very first time?I think the scariest part of attending Maui the first time was wondering if I would fit in and would there really be anything that I could “add” to the group. In many ways (honestly) I still feel a little of the same, even now and even though it’s my 3rd event. What I don’t do is worry about it for any real length of time because…it’s all “CRAP!” I acknowledge it and move on. I tell myself that “If I can jump out of an airplane at 15,000 feet it’s all relative.
What would be your advice for a first time Maui participant? I would first tell them that most of us have had the exact same feelings and to acknowledge those feeling but realize that it’s all CRAP! Each person who steps up and attends Maui (or any event like this) is different and to appreciate that difference. I would also let them know that we are all “traveling” on the same path. Some of us have just been on this path a little longer but we are all on this path TOGETHER.
What has been the biggest difference in your life since coming home from Maui? The biggest change has been going from 31 units to 300 units (and how quickly it happened). The biggest impact has been seeing/hearing that other people are doing BIG things! I’m not just referring to financially BIG but more importantly making a difference in the world.
What’s your goal out of your participation in Maui? I want to retire from my chiropractic practice by 2010.
Jack Kocur
Coach, Business Owner (3-time Maui Grad)
Why do you keep coming back? It’s hard to put it into words. It is almost spiritual. Each year it is something a little different then the last. The opportunity to be challenge by like-minded people.
Looking back on your fears before coming to Maui that first year, what did you learn about yourself and about your fellow participants? When I tore down my walls of fear, people in the room where there to pick me up. I learned to be willing to not get in your own way!
Kara Baker
Entrepreneur and Investor (4-Time Maui Grad)
Why did you first decide to attend Maui? I have been to Maui 4 years in a row now. I first decided to go because I wanted to meet other like-minded people. Thinking of life without a job, having freedom, investing, doing things more hands off—you just don’t meet that many people in your everyday life that are that way. So many of them are caught up in their 9 to 5 jobs. I think you have to have a desire to get off that treadmill. For me, that’s what led me to get involved with Maui Mastermind.
Since that first year I’ve continued to expand my investments, but I’ve also started up a new business venture that is doing incredibly well. Maui helped me realize that there are just so many different choices and options about what’s possible for your life.
What was the biggest impact Maui has had on your life? Besides the people I’ve grown to care about so deeply, the biggest surprise for me was how drawn I was to the charity aspect of it. To be frank I first went to Maui to learn how to make more money. But when I was there something happened to me that opened me up to the Maui giving. In my past I’d written the checks, but after Maui I really got involved and put my time and energy into my giving. It’s had a huge impact on my life.
Click Here to Apply to Join Us in Maui!
Arlene Gimbel
Commercial Real Estate Investor (2-Time Maui Grad)
Why did you come to Maui your first time? It was the people I met both at the Mini Maui in Phoenix, July 2006 and during our first trip to the orphanages in Juarez, Mexico with a group of Maui Grads.
Why do you keep coming back? The emphasis on charity and the people committed to these causes were reasons for attending the first year. Although these remain my main reasons, my secondary reason is the impact that contact with this group has had on the growth of my Wealth Operating System and my business.
What was your number one fear before coming to Maui that first year? Meeting a talented group of successful people that were far better at everything than I was.
What did you find your first year after you had participated? The event is not about you. It is about how a group of people can source and serve one another.
What advice do you have to a first time participant? Relax. Take a deep breath and just allow yourself to enjoy the experience and the resulting journey it will take you on.
How has Maui impacted your life? I have been exposed to ideas and business approaches that I have never experienced on my own. The people in my mastermind were most supportive, regardless of what might have been going on for them and when times were tough for me.
Christy Dutilly
Business Owner and Real Estate Investor (3-Time Maui Grad)
Christy first heard about Maui from an email she received describing the event.
What was the scariest part of coming to Maui that first year? Paying for it! I wondered if we would add or receive that amount of value.
Looking back, how did those fears play out? In other words, if you were talking with a first time participant and they shared with you that same fear or anxiety, and you commented on how you felt that way the first time too, what would you tell them about your experience? It was worth every penny and we have gained and given in ways we never imagined.
Lloyd Chesley
U.S. Government, Senior Analyst (2-Time Maui Grad)
How did you first hear about Maui? From an email from David back in 2003. I said to myself when I read it, "I want to do that someday.” Then three years later at the first Mini Maui event, my language changed to "I need to do that NOW."
What drew you to attend? What I learned at the first Mini Maui. Fear of what could be, fear of what would be unless I changed my thinking and started doing.
What keeps you coming back year after year? What I continue to learn. Investment opportunities in which I have been able to participate and opportunities in which I will be able to participate in the future. The people are the main reason I keep coming back.
Madeleine Nichols
Business Owner, Investor, Attorney (2-Time Maui Grad)
What drew you to Maui that first year? I attended the first Mini Maui because of the affordable registration fee for a two-day workshop: $500, with all of the net proceeds donated to charity. I wanted to know more about people who were thinking like that.
What keeps you coming back year after year? I continue to return to Maui because at each event I learn so much. My financial habits changed. Maui helped me and my husband chart our future together. We learned to measure our progress in a bigger picture than we previously understood. During each of the Maui sessions, we experience a shift in our attitude about wealth and prosperity in life. When you grow this way, and meet others who are similarly growing and giving, who wouldn’t return?
Wendy Ing
Real Estate Investor and Entrepreneur (Former Architect and now a 3-Time Maui Grad)
What sparked you to attend Maui that first year? I had just finished reading Napoleon Hill's Think & Grow Rich and wanted so badly to surround myself with a mastermind group to help me achieve my goals. I KNEW that Maui was the right thing to do!
What keeps you coming back year after year? Many reasons. One is to sharpen my skills and surround myself with like-minded people. Also it’s a chance to reconnect with friends, get inspired, be accountable, take stock of goals and accomplishments, and have fun. Plus where else on earth can you hang out with such amazing people with such huge hearts wanting to make an incredible difference in this world!
Lamont Hull
Petroleum salesman and Real Estate Investor (3-Time Maui Grad)
What drew you to Maui that first year? Roger [6-time Maui Grad] described the experience as something that I would benefit from. In the past we had invested in single family homes together. I saw what a tangible difference Maui made for Roger as he made a tremendous leap from managing his portfolio of 45-50 single family houses to doing large, multi-million dollar, commercial real estate transactions.
What keeps you coming back year after year? I am still coming back for the same reasons: to meet people who are doing unique things, to acquire new tools as an investor, and to improve myself in all aspects of my life.
Click Here to Apply to Join Us in Maui!
Chuck Stephan
Engineer and Entrepreneur (3-Time Maui Grad)
What were your biggest fears about coming to Maui that first year? The cost and also interacting with an unknown group and class of people
Looking back at your experience that first year, what did you find? The cost should just be considered as a part of learning throughout your life. I have no fears about interacting with Maui people, as they are generous, understanding, and helpful
What have been the biggest changes in your life since first coming to Maui? We have invested in real estate for the first time and with confidence and knowledge we did not have prior to Maui. We have learned the ideas and tools we needed to build wealth -- and more, rather than settle for just gathering a nest egg and spending it down in retirement. We have been blessed to experience this growth of outlook while interacting with the extraordinary people associated with Maui who are sharing and caring.
Bill Motsko
Distributor, Consultant, Investor (2-Time Maui Grad)
What were your biggest fears about coming to Maui that first year? Looking foolish - not having as much experience as others. Classic would I "fit in."
Looking back at your experience that first year, what did you find? I found out that, more than anywhere I've been, it is not just alright to just be you, it is the best way to get the most out of the experience.
What advice would you have for first time participants? Spend time thinking about your intentions and think about what you'd like to get out of the week. Then, relax and be there and open to the experience.
How has Maui impacted your life? I've gained a new perspective on what's possible and what it takes to get there.
JoJo Bruzgul
Attorney, Business Owner, Investor (1-Time Maui Grad)
What sparked you to and your husband John to first come to Maui? I’ve been a practicing attorney for over 20 years now when I first heard about Maui Mastermind. Actually, I first heard about it from my husband John, who wanted the two of us to go to the “Mini Maui” event. At first I was reluctant even though I happened to have the time free for the dates of the event.
I was very skeptical when I went to that first Mini Maui event. The promotional material talked about the proceeds going to charity and I thought, “Yeah right!” I thought that maybe the $500 was going to go to charity but that there had to be a catch in there somewhere like they were going to try to sell me on something else.
At the event I was singularly impressed, because not only was the event really for charity, but the content was great. As an attorney I bill in 1/10th of an hour increments. While my hourly rate is quite high, there is just no leverage in that. At the workshops I realized that I could use business systems and real estate to leverage my time. This is important to me because having more time to spend doing the athletic pursuits I’m passionate about, and less time working for clients on a fee for hour of service basis, really motivates me.
What did you get out of Maui your first year? I’m still on a high, I really am. And this is 2 and a half months after the experience. For me the biggest things coming out of Maui is my clarity and confidence with my direction and plan. I also now have a community to tap into and partner with to help each other move forward on our investment goals.
What would you say to the person who is still on the fence about stepping up and coming to Maui? Well if you like where you are sitting at and you don’t want to change your life don’t bother signing up. But if you are searching, and you would like to see how things can be done differently and better, then I encourage you to sign up for the one of the Mini Maui’s. Come and see what it is about. Listen to David teach, look at the content, see if it is something that interests you. Take it a step at a time. What has really been impressive to me, as you continue to come to the workshops you begin to build a sense of community and friendship with like-minded individuals. I really think that is part of the magic. In my mind you could almost rename the experience as the Maui Magic Experience because something really special happened to me when I was there in Maui.
Dina Beauvais
Investor and Entrepreneur (2-Time Maui Grad)
I grew up with amazing role models. My grandparents were multi-millionaires, yet my grandfather didn’t even have a high school education. He had to drop out of school in 8th grade. He built multi-million dollar corporations and invested a lot of money in commercial real estate. He had passive Level Three businesses that David talks about.
After I graduated from college my grandmother begged me to go on to get my masters degree, but I said I was so burnt out of school that I didn’t want to go for that. Instead, I went into corporate America, Sales for 3 years. I was one of the top salespeople- did very well financially, but grew board with corporate America.
So then I went and I started my own telecommunications company and rode the wave. I had a great opportunity for 8 years and did very, very well. I had a big company with lots of people under me and traveled the world. Basically I had a Level Three business with passive residual income but I didn’t know the right way to build that business to successfully exit and sell. So when I got married and had kids and I didn’t know how to sell it, I just let it go. If I had gone to Maui Mastermind 10 years ago, if I’d have known then what I’ve learned since from David and Maui about creating a Level Three business, I could have sold for millions.
I was a stay at home mom for 7 years and loved it. Then I found out about Maui Mastermind and I knew I wanted to go because I wanted to start another business. I’ve always enjoyed building businesses, following my passions and dreams. I just didn’t know how to do it the right way. That’s why I wanted to go to Maui the first year.
So far you and your husband Mark have participated in Maui Mastermind twice. What’s been the biggest difference and change in your life after Maui? I went from being a stay at home mom to now being an entrepreneur starting businesses. This is wonderful because when I was in Maui I learned that I was a quick start. And I learned that as a quick start I need to surround myself with a team of people who have other strengths like the implementor and the follow-through. Since that time I’ve started three other businesses in the past 2 years and have gotten a business partner. Our goal is to build Level Three businesses. We’re just doing what David teaches--building our level three businesses around our passions, gifts and talents, then investing in real estate along the way.
What would you say to that person who really is thinking about making the jump and going to Maui? You need to look deep in your heart and ask yourself do you want to find out your passions, your gifts, and your talents? Do you want to use those to build a Level Three business or to learn to be smart and invest? The way we look at the money we have spent on Maui is as an investment in ourselves. For my husband and I, it’s like our master’s degree. Maui Mastermind is our Chosen masters degree program. If you can answer yes to the above questions that I say, you definitely should go.
Click Here to Apply to Join Us in Maui!
Christine Harvey
Best-selling Author of 6 books sold in 25 languages including ‘In Pursuit of Profit.’ (6-Time Maui Grad)
Christine, you were one of the original participants in that first ever Maui Mastermind™ event back in December of 2003. What sparked you to go to Maui that first year? I remember I didn’t know anything about you or any of the other people who were running it. However I already had 30 years experience in real-estate investment. I thought that since it’s a pretty high ticket item, I would meet other series investors. So that was my goal. Up until that point I had been doing my investing the conventional way, with 10-20% down - and there’s a limit to how far you can go with that. I didn’t want to be limited any more. I thought, here’s a place I can go to learn how to do things on a much bigger scale.
Now Christine, you’ve been back as a participant to 6 of the past Maui Mastermind events. What has that meant in your life? How is your life different now? The main difference is the circle of people that we are now working and investing with. Up until that time, my husband and I had only investing together, not with a group. Since coming to Maui we've invested in projects jointly with others. Our first one after Maui was an investment where we put in a combination of money and sweat equity. It was a condo conversion project and I had so much fun. I was head of the marketing team and I probably had a dozen people on my team. We put together our marketing plan, executed it and sold all the units at a healthy profit. We all had a blast doing it. It was then that I thought, “This is great, we can do more as a group because of the brainpower synergy.” I think for me that’s what Maui is about. It’s about a close group of doers you can turn to – getting and giving input and help. Any problem you are facing, you can just pick up the phone and call a half dozen people to get an immediate answer on how to solve it. That’s so powerful.
What else have you gotten out of Maui? Just one of the things I’ve gotten by coming to the Maui Mastermind and these workshops has been to become a hard money lender. That’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years - in fact since reading ‘The Richest Man in Babylon.’ Being a lender has helped a lot of people, especially people who do rehabs, to really make a fortune with their trade, and of course it’s been profitable for me.
One of the things I love, and one of the main things I appreciate from these courses, is that you and the other instructors are so open and willing to share from your direct experiences and give practical advice.
What would you say to that person who is still on the fence about whether to come to Maui Mastermind or not? My husband and I are frugal people, as I think most millionaires are frugal people. I would say that anyone considering coming to Maui who feels they can’t afford it, could re-order their priorities. By that I mean - get really frugal about everything else in life, and put your money towards something that’s really important. And personally, I can’t think of anything more important than investing in yourself. The skills and knowledge you gain will make such a huge difference to you, your children, your children’s children.
For example they say that if you want to end illiteracy in the world, you should teach a woman to read, because that women will then teach her children and her children’s children. That ends the cycle of illiteracy for generations to come. I think it’s the same thing with financial literacyRE. I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said, “I want to learn what you learned, and can you mentor me?” Or, “I want to do this too, can you show me?” Invest in yourself and you’re going to impact everyone around you. The U.S. needs that right now.
Jody McNamer
Media Manufacturer, Entrepreneur (One-Time Maui Grad)
Jody, I know that your background is 20 years working in media manufacturing. How did you first find out about Maui Mastermind™ and what sparked you to come? I am not a big seminar guy but I have a lot of respect for the person who handled all my mortgage business. So when I got a call from him one day and he told me he had just attended this Mini Maui thing I paid attention. As it happened, the next Mini Maui just happened to be in Vegas immediately after a trade show I had earlier in the week there, so I figured I would just go ahead and attend. So I went and I was very impressed with the content and the reasonableness of the concepts. I had such a good experience it prompted me to pay to attend the next event.
So then what actually prompted you to go to Maui Mastermind? At the second Mini Maui I met another couple there who had been to Maui twice. They were great people and we struck up a friendship. Six weeks later they came up to our home in Seattle for a visit. They were a seasoned team on investing in commercial real estate and when they were over at our home they were incredibly generous and spent 4 days sharing everything they knew about commercial real estate.
I was so impressed with that giving attitude, and the way they talked about Maui and their experiences participated twice, that I broached the subject with my wife. When I first told my wife that I was considering this large amount of money to attend she was like, “Have you lost your mind!” But because she was able to spend some time with that couple and understand that there really was something special there, she was willing to at last say, “Hey, let’s at least give it a try.”
So what was Maui like for you? Because there are prep calls before the event, I went in feeling very open. I wanted to get as much out of the experience as possible and knew that the best way to do that was to walk in the door with an open mind. Clearly I knew that I was going to be learning some great stuff, but what I found was even more. For me it was a profound experience.
Prior to Maui I been in the business world and had started doing some investing. My family would give lip service to support us, but they didn’t really understand what we were doing. The reality of Maui was I was surrounded by all these other people that literally looked me in the eye and said, “We understand what you’re trying to do and know you can do it. And how can we help you get there faster?” That experience really touched me and I carry it to this day.
So far it's been three months since attending Maui and just by changing my mind set, it has literary opened up a huge conduit of opportunity for me. This has literally translated into hard dollars in my pocket. But more than this have been the intangible benefits and new friends. It’s helped me transform my life in a way that has real meaning, where I create real value in the world and at the same time don’t have to feel bad for making all this money. The money is a means to support relationships and causes I believe in and to be able to pay those things forward.
I know that you’re a logical, numbers, kind of guy. What would you say to that person who is like you, the skeptical analytic person, about whether going to Maui could really be worth it? It’s difficult to see what the return is actually going to be on the front end because when you go and ask people that have been to Maui to tell you about it, and they will say that you just can’t explain it, you have to experience it. That used to drive me crazy. No one seemed to be able to concretely tell me what Maui was like. They all told me how great it was, and how it had given them a huge boost with their businesses and investing, and that they had created an incredible team of people they could turn to, but no one could say here’s exactly what to expect.
I am so fortunate that that couple was willing to spend the time with me to share their knowledge on the commercial real estate side because if they hadn’t I might not have made the leap. And there is a leap of faith you have to take which is difficult for an analytical personal to do. I know, I am one of those analytical people.
But all I would say is that if you take an honest look at your life from the big picture you can see that our choices in life fundamentally determine our results. At the end of the day it’s about what we choose. The challenge I have for you is to step back for a moment and ask yourself what is it you really want in life? What could your life really be like if you stepped up and made the investment?
I know that from the other side that not only will it be more than worth it, but you will never even think of not going from that point on. I’ll be back again this year. The results are exponential.
Nishit Patel
Yoga Instructor, Investor, Entrepreneur (One-Time Maui Grad)
Nishit, you have a real unique background. Can you share it with us? I started out as Pharmacist and acquired a degree in Medical Psychology later on in the USA. But yoga and meditation have always been my passion. In fact, I’ve been teaching both yoga and meditation now for years before I even heard about Maui.
What attracted you to go to Maui? I started off with a Mini Maui first. What pulled me to go was that the $500 tuition for that event went to charity. How amazing was that? It was a very powerful reason for me to attend.
When I got there and met all the people, everyone kept talking about Maui Mastermind™. I was meeting people who had been to Maui and they kept telling me that you have to go, you have so much to offer. Seeing how it had impacted their lives I realized that something special was going on here, but I was still reluctant to go until one of the people I met there asked me if I wanted to partner up for the event with her. My wife supported me on this and said, “Nishit, you’d love doing this so why are you hesitating? Go now.” And I did.
What have been the biggest things you’ve gotten out of your participation in Maui? There are a couple things. One of the things was the incredible wealth of knowledge offered there. But that information was shared in a very systematic way. That made it easy to study and to put into action. It was information that I’ve never been taught anywhere else in the world regarding wealth and financial success and how to become financially free. Then there are the other participants who are amazing. I have come to treasure their friendship.
What sparked you to come back a second time? The excitement and insights I had the first time. I thought to myself that if coming once made such a tremendous impact, imagine what I’d get out of it the second year. I have so much more that I want to learn and people that I want to meet. Everyone’s hearts are full of compassion.
What would you say to the person who is on the fence about going to Maui? I think if someone says it is really expensive I don’t think they know what expense really is. The experience at Maui Mastermind was literally priceless.
If you are scared just go for it. At least go one time and see the benefits for yourself. Then you’ll keep coming back year after year.
Tom Harvey
Retired Aerospace Executive, Investor (5-Time Maui Grad)
My wife and I have been investing all that time. But since Maui Mastermind™ we’ve just been investing in a much bigger way. Before Maui I was investing in single family homes. After Maui we still invested in single family houses, we just bought more of them. I also made joined a team of Maui grads to invest in apartment complexes. For example, we bought 192 units in Oklahoma and we’re having a great time with them.
How is life different after Maui? My best friends are Maui Mastermind people. That is who I hang out with now. Life is what I want to make it. That is wonderful. It’s allowed me to give a lot to my family.
What has been the biggest thing that you got from Maui Mastermind? The biggest gift is the people. The ability to know and love the community.
What would you say to the person on the fence about whether to come to Maui or not? JUMP! Do it. Don’t think. They don’t have a clue what Maui is about. There is no way to explain what Maui is about in words. It has to be experienced. Just do it.
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Tom Phelan
General Contractor, Business Owner (One-Time Maui Grad)
Tom, tell us a little bit about your background. I was a UPS driver for 14 years and a painting contractor. When I left UPS and I went from paining into remodeling and being a general contractor.
What attracted you to your first Mini Maui event? My girlfriend’s brother in-law, who I have a lot of respect for, just got back from one of the Maui Mastermind events in Hawaii. He was on a such a high and I knew it was something I wanted to find out more about. That was why I jumped at the chance to attend that first Mini Maui weekend.
What was it that drew you to sign up for Maui that first year? Before the first break of the first mini Maui I knew I was going. I didn’t have the finances to go. I had no idea what was going to happen to my five sons while I was gone for a week. But I was hooked and knew I needed to be there. At the Mini Maui it was like someone opened up a book that had all these things that I had always wanted to know, but never knew how to get, and now they were right there for me to reach out and grab.
How did you find a way to make it happen financially? I put some of the money on a company credit card. I borrowed money on a credit card from a sibling. I borrowed money from someone who worked for me. And then I took some prepayments from some construction jobs that I was going to complete and put it all together to go. It was a real stretch for me financially but I was committed to find a way to be there.
When you got to Maui what was it that made it so worthwhile to go for you? It's really hard to put into words. Before I arrived I was a very hard working business person. I had my goals and thought I knew how to get to where I wanted to go. After Maui I had gained the ability to look at a business, and know what needed to be done, and how I could make it happen. I’ve always had lots and lots of ideas but never the confidence or the resources to go after it. Prior to Maui, in my office we had two businesses going. Since Maui, 8 months later, there are now 6 businesses going under one roof and there will probably be two more in a couple months. All that came out of Maui.
What sparked you to come back a second year? I can’t image living without it, I really can’t. The $30,000 that I came up with no longer is important, it became unimportant almost immediately. I know for someone hearing that you see the $30,000 price tag and it scares you. But if you don’t have to really commit a lot to be there in Maui you won’t get anything out of it. It’s the full commitment that makes the difference.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming to Maui but isn’t sure? First thing I would say is make sure you get to a Mini Maui and get to know the people. Don’t sit with the person you came with, but instead get out in the room and get to know the other people. That first Mini Maui I went to was the first conference I’d ever been to. I introduced myself to everyone sitting next to me and within the first 10 minutes everyone was nodding in unison and everyone was in the same place and everyone was receiving this message so well I immediately felt welcome. After you meet the people you’ll know if you want to be a part of Maui.
What are some of the things are now possible after Maui? This year has been a challenge. With the real estate market upheaval I literally had to reinvent my business in a very short time. I can’t imagine having been able to do that if it wasn’t for Maui and the people I met there who supported me with ideas and encouragement.
On a broad scope my quality of life has already increased. I have put different values on how and what I am doing. That is invaluable. I am busy but I know what my exit strategy is and what my end game looks like. I want to be able to spend more time with my 5 sons and have it be more quality time.
Dana Kostelnik and Andy Krals
Investors (One-Time Maui Grads)
Andy, I know that you introduced your wife Dana to Maui, but how did you first hear about? About a year and a half ago I got an email that talked about the Mini Maui workshop. At the time, I had never paid for any kind of training. I had learned how to do my investing the hard way. I read every book I could get my hands on and I just went out there and stumbled my way through it until I learned how to do it successfully.
When I got that email saying come to the Mini Maui workshop I didn’t delete it; I saved it and put it on my desktop. I probably read it ten times that week. Finally I thought that hey, at least the money will go to charity. I signed up, but to be honest I was still hesitant and reluctant, but I went ahead and signed up anyway. I am so glad I did because the rest as they say is history.
Andy, I know that after that Mini Maui event you decided to join us in Maui. When you think back about your life “before Maui” and “after Maui”, what has been the biggest difference for you personally? Before Maui I quite honestly often felt alone. I had my friends, but I never felt like I could say what was on my mind and really talk with them about my business and investing dreams and what I was learning. I was always dumbing things down and keeping the conversation to the common denominator like sports. I wasn’t really talking about what was in my heart and what I was most passionate about building and creating.
For me Maui has helped me find a group of people who are just like me. Don’t get me wrong, we’re all very different people, but I found other people who also had huge plans. And they were not only talking about them they are doing them. And they are eager to help you. That has probably been the biggest benefit I’ve gotten from Maui--the network. Meeting all these people who are on the same page and want to play full out and supersize everything. It’s been extraordinary.
Now Dana, when you first met Andy you were getting your masters in social work. I know you have a deep passion for helping people. How has that fit in with Maui? One of the things I love most about this group, and one of the things that initially attracted me to that very first Mini Maui workshop that I attended, was the way people were so generous with their giving. After all, we are all here to give and receive, and I think that is the law of the universe. I believe that giving and receiving are absolutely imperative in order to live a successful life and be fulfilled. I love that that is such a huge priority for this group of people because to be around them and not be the only one to think about giving is fantastic. I find them uplifting really fun to be around.
Has Maui Mastermind stretched you Dana in your own personal giving in terms of how you see yourself contributing to the world, and if so how? Absolutely. It is the group of people that concentrates on the giving side but that also thinks so big. I have a lot of respect for the people who do social work, but after working 60 hours a week doing something day in and day out, it’s hard for them to think big. The Maui community has helped me to see ways I can do my giving in a bigger way. They’ve helped me think about systems and getting groups of people together with a common focus to solve a problem or meet a challenge instead of doing it all by yourself. It’s this entire energetic force of people who accomplish so much more good together.
Dana, what was it like for you to come into this environment with a social work background and thinking all they are going to be talking about is business or investing? Did you ever fear that you would feel out of your element or out of place?
Yes I had some fears going in about being a fish out of water with all these business and investing people who were going to have years and years of experience. But what I found was that it’s just such a great group of people and there are a lot of other people who are involved and have fantastic things going on in their life. It’s not really all business talk or technical talk. Again they are just such great people to know and be around that it actually wasn’t really an issue. I found the experience to be more about thought paradigms and creating your life with bigger ideas and in more detail than what interest rate you got on this deal or how did you structure that move. It’s about growing and being your best self, and how to create a life of enduring value.
Andy, what sparked you to come back for your second Maui this year? I can’t imagine doing it only one time. It would be like skydiving only one time. It just doesn’t make any sense. Once you go and feel the rush and the energy and meet the people, you can’t just say that’s it. I plan to be in touch with the people I met FOREVER. They are kindred spirits. You can’t just go once.
Andy, what would you say to somebody who is sitting there wondering if they should come to Maui? I would say that if you want to be your best self and achieve your fullest potential you really can’t afford not to go.
I hesitated when I first read about the event. I thought the price was extortionist! But after being there and experiencing it I now think, “WOW that is dirt cheap.” The rewards are exponential. You just have to take the jump.
Mark Beauvais
Real Estate Professional, Entrepreneur (2-Time Maui Grad)
What first drew you to Maui Mastermind™? The smaller prior events: two "Maui Re-Unions", Tax Camp and a deal analysis workshop. Plus the people I knew who were already associated with Maui.
Why do you keep coming back? This will be my 2nd Maui Mastermind event. My wife & I felt compelled to repeat the experience we had last year. The value of synergy with like-minded people and our need to stretch & push ourselves to grow draws us back for more.
What was your biggest fear about coming to Maui that very first time? Would it be worth the money? Also not knowing what to expect. Was I "big" enough? Important enough? Would I matter enough or be able to contribute?
Looking back at your experience that first year, what did you find? I felt all of them, but they were gradually released through the week. As I got comfortable just being me and giving what I had to give, I felt confident and secure in who I was and what I had to offer. Everyone matters; everyone makes a difference; everyone contributes.
What advice would you have for first time participants? Let go of your pre-conceived notions and ideas. Just come prepared to learn, grow, and change your thinking.
How has Maui impacted your life? It’s helped me to truly believe that anything is possible and to just go after my dreams. My life has been changed by the quality and caliber of the people I know and the networks that have been formed.
Marichiel Ewert
Business Owner (2-Time Maui Grad)
How did you first find out about Maui? I have a friend Kelly who is a 6-time Maui grad. When she first told me about Maui I didn’t quite understand about it. I knew it had something to do with building businesses and investing. She came home from that first year’s Maui event and she quit her job. She was a Los Angeles Police Department officer, the same as my husband.
A year later her husband, another LAPD officer, quit his job too. He went from police officer to reserve officer. At the time I was working in an environmental laboratory. It made me stop and wonder what was going on with them. I didn’t know what they were doing and it scared me. It was an unknown to me.
Right about that time, my daughter Trinity was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder called a A-plastic Anemia. A few days after we got that devastating news, Kelly comes over with a big check. She told me you shouldn’t have to go back to work. Kelly and her friends from Maui put money together so I was able to stay at home with my daughter.
I was able to stay at home with her for another 3 months without having to go back to work. Trinity passed away but I still had her little brother to raise. I knew Trinity was looking down on me saying Mommy do something great. Make a dent in this universe and I live every day like that. I said to myself I am going to Maui; I am going to find out what it is they are doing because one day I want to be able to do this for another family myself.
In December 2006 I had my first opportunity to go to Maui Mastermind. It was sold out but there was a spot that opened up and I was ready to go. It changed my life just like I knew it would. It wasn’t money that drove me, it was compassion. It was learning how to make money so I could give more of it away.
Since Maui I have increased my passive residual income to 6K a month. Passive residual incoming meaning that I can go on vacation for a month and still make that 6K a month. It is still increasing everyday. I have an appraisal company which through Maui I have learned to build so that I can be there 2 to 3 hours a week and still make the same amount of money. I went from working 40 hours a week to 2 to 3 hours a week and still making the same amount of money. I’ve also built another successful business since that time. All this was started because my friend Kelly did something truly generous for me and changed my life.
