E04: From Practice Squad to Property Flips: Mack Brown’s Path to Financial Success

In this episode Kris Benson and Alec Ogletree chat with former NFL player turned real estate investor Mack Brown. Mack spent five years in the NFL, playing for the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. After his NFL career, he pursued real estate investing by flipping houses. He has since gone back to school to earn his MBA and is now working towards his PhD in organizational management with a focus on leadership.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• The importance of growth mindset
• The value of financial education
• Investing in personal growth
• Mack’s experience recovering from the injury

Episode Highlights:

[13:52] The Importance of a Growth Mindset

Having a strong work ethic and mentality of always improving yourself is important for success both on and off the field. Mack discussed always working to better himself even when facing obstacles. Even when facing obstacles like injuries or not playing much in college, Mack maintained a relentless dedication to his training and development. He discussed how he would work out every day, even after games when his teammates were socializing, in order to prepare himself for opportunities in the NFL. This mentality of grinding through challenges and never being satisfied helped propel Mack to a five-year NFL career despite going undrafted. His willingness to always get better served him well beyond football too. When injuries ended his playing days, Mack applied this growth mindset to pivoting his career path and education. His story demonstrates that having a focus on self-improvement will help one overcome setbacks and achieve their goals both on and off the field.

[31:00] The Value of Financial Education

Having a financial plan and education is crucial, as the NFL money doesn't last long if not managed properly. Never be afraid to pivot to new opportunities and invest in further education. Mack didn't have financial literacy growing up and wishes he invested during his playing days. After injuries ended Mack's career, he pursued real estate investing and went back to school to set himself up for long term success.

[52:31] Investing in Personal Growth

While he has found success in flipping houses, Mack recognizes the importance of working for a top multifamily developer to truly master the industry. By taking a job, even if only for a few years, he can gain an "education on someone else's dime." Working with a leading multifamily company allows him to absorb best practices, forge valuable industry connections, and minimize risk before launching his own projects. Apprenticing under successful companies accelerates his learning curve, and Mack believes the opportunity costs are well worth it to ultimately pursue his own ventures with heightened expertise and confidence. His recommendation emphasizes the significance of continuous investment in personal growth, even after achieving initial success.

Resources Mentioned:

Shoe Dog