***Guest Appearance
Credits to:
https://www.youtube.com/@WayneVeldsman
“He Raised $8 Million Without Banks..! Jay Conner’s Faith‑Driven Path to Financial Freedom | JTL 131.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jjG6ylaubY&t=13s
The journey to legacy in entrepreneurship often begins not with a blank slate, but in the midst of adversity. The story shared by Jay Conner in his conversation with Wayne Veldsman is a testament to how true breakthroughs often arise from the very problems that threaten to shut us down.
Jay Conner, widely known as the Private Money Authority, didn’t enter the real estate world on a winning streak—his early years were spent navigating the traditional, often painstaking path of bank-funded deals. Like many investors, he played by the rules of the banks: filling out applications, sharing personal financials, and hoping for approval. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment in 2009, when his line of credit was revoked without warning despite a spotless repayment record, that everything changed.
Rather than succumbing to defeat, Jay Conner chose to see his challenge as a problem to be solved, not an end to his ambitions. His solution? He reached out to his network, discovered the world of private money and self-directed IRAs, and quickly realized he could bypass traditional lenders altogether. The approach was transformative: within 90 days, he raised over $2 million in private funding by educating individuals in his circle about alternative investments, sometimes gathering nearly a million at a single luncheon.
This experience shaped a guiding principle for Jay Conner: the money should come first in real estate investing, not just the deals. Contrary to common advice that securing property comes before securing funds, Jay Conner advocates for building your financial firepower first. Doing so unlocks confidence and agility in a competitive marketplace, letting investors make offers knowing funding is already in place.
What truly sets Jay Conner’s story apart is the mindset at the heart of his success. He makes it clear that the biggest stumbling block for aspiring entrepreneurs isn’t the lack of opportunity or resources, but fear—specifically, fear of the unknown.
Many are daunted by the prospect of trying something new, or are too focused on themselves in networking situations. But the traits that define successful people, Jay Conner argues, include relentless curiosity and the willingness to move beyond their comfort zones. This “childlike curiosity”—always asking “why” and seeking to learn—turns what could be stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Jay Conner also highlights the critical role of community and mentorship. He admits his early mistake was trying to figure everything out on his own, relying on past experiences from a different industry. The value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals in mastermind groups or professional circles cannot be overstated. These connections foster growth, provide support during challenging transitions, and allow for the rapid acquisition of new knowledge.
Integral to Jay Conner’s philosophy is the idea of leading with service. Instead of chasing, persuading, or pitching deals to lenders, he approaches potential investors as an educator, focused on offering value and exposing them to new opportunities. He explains that many of his private lenders had never considered alternative investments until he introduced the idea, and he helps them benefit from higher returns either through investment capital or leveraging assets like home equity or insurance.
At the core, Jay Conner’s approach is rooted in faith and the desire to help others—a “servant’s heart.” This attitude isn’t just a personal preference; it’s a powerful strategy. By prioritizing others’ needs and giving first, he’s experienced growth and fulfillment that reaches beyond business, impacting families and empowering others to break free from restrictive lender rules.
For those pursuing their own entrepreneurial journey, the takeaways are clear: Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth, develop a relentless curiosity, build a strong community, and lead with service. Problems will inevitably arise, but as Jay Conner’s story demonstrates, they can become the very foundation of your greatest successes.
10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:
- Jay Conner emphasizes the importance of “getting comfortable being uncomfortable.” How do you think this mindset shift can impact someone’s success in entrepreneurship or any new pursuit?
- The episode highlights the difference between traditional bank financing and raising private money. What are some advantages and potential challenges of seeking private lenders over banks for real estate investing?
- Curiosity is called a key trait for successful entrepreneurs. Can you share a real-life example of curiosity helping turn a problem into an opportunity in your own life or career?
- Jay Conner discusses the power of networking and being “a teacher” rather than a “salesperson” when raising capital. Why do you think educating others is more effective than pitching?
- The formula “E + R = O”—event plus response equals outcome—was shared as a guiding principle. How could adopting this approach change how you deal with setbacks?
- Jay Conner mentions that many people are held back by the fear of the unknown and lack of confidence. What are some practical steps you’ve found effective for overcoming those fears?
- The episode talks about the “victim mentality” versus the “victor mentality.” How do you recognize if you’re slipping into a victim mindset, and what helps you shift out of it?
- Building a “tribe” or community of like-minded people is a recurring theme. How has being part of a supportive group or mastermind influenced your personal or professional growth?
- Jay Conner integrates his faith and a servant’s heart into his business approach. In your experience, how can values like service and faith shape career success and legacy?
- The idea that “most legacies fade after 100 years” was mentioned, with music and positive impact standing out as enduring legacies. What do you want your legacy to be, and what steps are you taking now to shape it?
Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:
- Jay Conner was able to raise over $2 million in new funding for his real estate deals in less than 90 days after being cut off from bank funding, and even collected nearly $1 million at a single private lender luncheon.
- Music plays a big role in Jay Conner’s life—he and his wife, Carol Joy, write gospel hymns and spiritual songs that have been sung by tens of thousands of people around the world.
- Jay Conner credits his success to curiosity and a servant’s heart, sharing that his desire to serve others and keep learning new things shaped his real estate career and impact on others.
Timestamps:
00:01 Curiosity, Faith & Private Money
04:21 Curiosity Enhances Meeting Others
08:59 Private Money Lending Explained
10:23 Private Lending for Real Estate
13:35 Private Lender Investment Strategies
17:25 Craig and Kim’s House Flip
22:00 Discovering Private Money Investing
24:43 Mastering Challenges with E.O.R.
28:27 Define Goals and Embrace Change
32:42 Indirect Method for Entrepreneurs
37:07 Lessons from Early Mistakes
39:06 Giving Away My Book
41:34 Legacy: Impact and Music
45:11 Serving Others Through Homeownership
48:23 Response Shapes Outcome
Free Report:
https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport
Join the Private Money Academy:
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Have you read Jay’s new book, Where to Get the Money Now?
It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at
https://www.JayConner.com/Book
What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner
https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast
Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.
What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference
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