Will Be LIVE In person - COMING SOON!

2025 Speaker Bios

Todd Nepola

Todd T. Nepola is a seasoned real estate investor and developer with nearly 30 years of experience in acquisitions, development, leasing, and property management. A graduate of the University of South Florida (Class of 1994), he began his career in investment banking while simultaneously building his own commercial real estate portfolio.

In 2005, Mr. Nepola founded Current Capital Group, a real estate firm that has since developed a substantial portfolio of commercial properties across Florida. Under his leadership, the company is recognized for its disciplined investment strategies and operational excellence.

He has earned industry accolades, including CoStar’s "Power Broker" Award, and maintains active membership in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Mr. Nepola resides in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, with his daughters, Gabriella and Sophia. He is deeply involved in local philanthropic and community efforts and is also an accomplished athlete, having completed the Ironman Triathlon.

When Henry married he quickly realized that working 50 hours a week was still not giving him enough income to provide his family with the life they deserve. After a late-night panic attack and some Google searches, Henry found that real estate investing was a powerful tool for building generational wealth. He immediately took action by attending local investor meetups, listening to podcasts, and telling everyone that he was an investor. Henry closed on his first investment property only 90 days later. Now he's 7 years into his real estate investment journey, has over 100 cash-flowing properties, and flips about 20 houses a year. From the day his first deal closed, Henry has felt a deep responsibility to share this gift with as many people as he can. Henry can be found on Instagram, the BiggerPockets On The Market Podcast, and at various speaking engagements across the country.

Henry Washington

Christopher Stout

Christopher Stout is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of StoutCap. As CEO, Mr. Stout helps define and implement strategic plans designed to further expand all facets of the StoutCap portfolio. With over 20 years of experience in the residential construction industry, he oversees all construction projects within the portfolio and is a ruthless asset manager. Mr. Stout remains involved as a hands-on CEO – fostering relationships with not only our valued investors, lenders, and brokers but also with on-site teams around the country. Chris credits StoutCap’s ability to attract top talent at all levels – often away from leading companies across industries – and boundless opportunities through an entrepreneurial culture as the key to its continued growth. He has taken impossible projects from start to finish and is extremely well-versed in zoning and asset repositioning. Today, Mr. Stout’s firm is composed of experienced real estate professionals who work full time on the management of company properties, allowing him to continue to successfully seek out new investments and effectively grow StoutCap’s outstanding real estate portfolio. Chris enjoys spending time with his 3 beautiful children and has been married to his wife Danielle for 11 years.

Paul is a Court-Appointed Property Manager, Fiduciary, and the CEO & Co-founder of CPM. With over 30 years of experience in property management, business leadership, and finance; this expertise has led him to become a best-selling author, sharing his knowledge with a global audience.

He began his real estate journey early—purchasing his first property in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at just 18 years old. Since then, he’s built a proven track record of leading acquisitions, stabilizing portfolios, and growing income across a range of market conditions.

At CPM, Paul oversees all acquisitions, sales, and financial operations. Under his leadership, properties consistently show income growth and cost reductions—averaging a 15% increase in profitability within the first year of ownership.

Beyond his operational success, Paul is deeply committed to education. As a mentor, he teaches everyday people how to break into real estate using the same creative strategies that built his career. Through his Property Boss platform, he’s helping a new generation of investors understand how to build sustainable wealth—without needing deep pockets or prior experience.

Paul’s focus remains the same: strategic growth, long-term stability, and giving others the tools to do what he’s done.

Paul Carassone

Josh Janus

Josh is on track to sell nearly 200 homes for a total of $25,000,000+ as an investor friendly agent. Josh also funded Janus Development which is focused on purchasing distressed 1-4 units, renovating them and presenting them as turnkey rental properties to in and out of state investors looking for passive cash flow. The business is on track to purchase, renovate and sell around 20 properties totaling over $3,000,000

As an investor Josh purchases buy-and-hold single family and multi family properties, execute BRRRR’s and other strategies in both markets and has a goal of owning 100 units by the end of the year.

Brendan Da Silva, a native of Northern New Jersey with Brazilian roots, is the Founder and CEO of Da Silva Team, a successful residential real estate team based in Newark, New Jersey. Despite facing challenges early in his career, Brendan's journey is one of redemption and determination.

After graduating with a degree in pastoral ministry from Nyack College in 2016, Brendan found himself serving six-months in jail. Upon his release, he struggled to find suitable employment until he heeded the encouragement of loved ones to pursue a career in real estate, which he embarked upon in April 2017.

Since then, Brendan has spearheaded the growth of The Da Silva Team, which achieved remarkable success, selling over $300,000,000 in volume and assisting in the sale of 800+ homes. Prioritizing investing his profits, he has bought 12 properties, currently owns 20 units and manages approximately 30 Airbnb listings.

An active member and resident of Newark, Brendan is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to educate Newark residents about the war on home ownership. Passionate about community development and marketing, Brendan aims to merge these passions to create a lasting impact through his real estate endeavors, including a recently launched podcast - The Real Lives of Real Estate.

Through his podcast, "Real Lives of Real Estate," Brendan showcases the transformative power of real estate, highlighting stories of individuals whose lives have been empowered and changed through the industry. With a vision to become the top real estate team in New Jersey, Brendan Da Silva continues to turn houses into homes while leaving a positive impact on his community and beyond.

Brendan Da Silva

Briana Heino & Steven Kipnis

Briana Heino and Steven Kipnis are New Jersey real-estate entrepreneurs raising a blended family of six while running one of the region’s most active investment operations. Rooted in Central and South Jersey, they specialize in novations, creative financing, and large-scale flipping, turning complex situations into clean, win-win outcomes for sellers, buyers, and communities.

Briana is one of the only high-volume female flippers in the area—part operator, part systems architect—leading high-output teams and proving you can run heavy construction and still make the school pickup. Steve, recognized as one of the largest buyers in Mercer County, brings deep market reach, decisive underwriting, and longstanding relationships that keep quality deal flow steady.

What makes them different is how they blend business and family. Between kid schedules and site visits, they’ve built a company culture around reliability, transparency, and doing right by people. Across their social channels, they share candid behind-the-scenes: deal breakdowns, renovation walk-throughs, and the real rhythms of building wealth as a family—inviting others to learn and take action alongside them.

As speakers and mentors, Briana and Steve deliver practical playbooks: how to scale with people and process, structure novations end-to-end, and grow durable wealth without sacrificing your values—or your family.

Ramin Daneshrad is a distinguished figure in the realm of real estate investing, boasting a remarkable 20-year career marked by consistent growth and innovation. As the owner of nearly a dozen properties, Ramin's journey in real estate is a testament to his strategic acumen and dedication to generating significant passive income. His portfolio, a diverse mix of properties, is a clear indicator of his commitment to the long-term growth and sustainability in the field.

Partnering with renowned names like Eric Jon Melnikoff and other esteemed members from the Build It Now community, Ray has ventured into multiple successful fix-and-flip projects. These ventures not only amplify his cash flow but also demonstrate his ability to identify and capitalize on lucrative opportunities. His strategy is both shrewd and sustainable: profits from joint-venture flips are intelligently reinvested to finance future projects, creating a cycle of continuous growth and expansion.

Beyond his personal financial success, Ray holds a deep-seated belief in the power of education and wealth-building. This ethos extends to his family, where he passionately educates his four children about the importance and methods of building wealth from an early age. He understands the profound impact that such knowledge can have, not only for his family but also for the broader community.

Ramin's commitment to real estate extends beyond his immediate network. He is a mentor and educator, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience through various partnerships and teaching engagements. His influence is multifaceted: he not only provides homes for families but also imparts valuable knowledge to aspiring investors, fostering a community of informed, empowered individuals in the real estate domain.

Ramin Daneshrad is not just a real estate investor; he is a visionary, a teacher, and a community builder. His approach to real estate is holistic, encompassing financial success, family values, and community empowerment. With each project and every lesson he shares, Ramin is reshaping the landscape of real estate investing, making it more accessible and impactful for generations to come.

Ray Daneshrad

Eric Jon Melnikoff

In the dynamic world of real estate, few names resonate with the impact and expertise of Eric Jon Melnikoff. With a career spanning two decades, Eric has not only established himself as a real estate broker/salesperson but has also passionately dedicated himself to the art of real estate investment.

Eric’s journey in the real estate sector is marked by his profound commitment to helping people. Each year, he skillfully guides a multitude of clients through the intricate process of real estate transactions, ensuring their dreams of home ownership and investment come to fruition. But his contribution extends far beyond the conventional bounds of real estate deals.

At the heart of Eric's professional ethos is a deep-seated passion for educating and empowering the younger generation. Recognizing a gap in financial literacy among older teens and young adults, he embarked on a mission to enlighten them about the massive potential in real estate investment. His goal is audacious yet inspiring: to equip young individuals with the knowledge and tools to start investing in properties even before they reach the legal drinking age.

What truly sets Eric apart is his innovative approach to investment mentoring. Having personally navigated countless investment deals, he brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table. Eric's focus on joint venturing with novice investors encapsulates his "earn while you learn" philosophy. By collaborating with those new to the field, he offers them a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, minimize risks, and maximize returns under his expert guidance.

Eric's visionary leadership is perhaps most evident in his creation of 'Built It Now', a community-driven initiative that promises to revolutionize how aspiring investors approach wealth building. This platform is more than just an educational tool; it's a transformative experience designed to rewrite the narrative of his students' lives through strategic real estate investments.

Eric Jon Melnikoff isn’t just a real estate veteran; he’s a trailblazer committed to reshaping the future of real estate investment for the younger generation. His ultimate mission transcends personal success, aiming to instill a legacy of financial wisdom and empowerment that will echo through the lives of young adults for generations to come.

Gaurav “G” Patel — Real Estate Investor | Entrepreneur | Builder of Places and People

Gaurav “G” Patel is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur with a proven track record of transforming overlooked spaces into thriving, community-centered developments. As a managing partner at CityPlat, G leads strategic acquisitions across the South East, specializing in commercial redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use assets.

But G’s story runs deeper than spreadsheets and site plans. Born in a rural Indian village with no running water or electricity, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 10 and started from scratch. His journey spans from event productions, dozens of startups and hospitality ventures—all leading to a hard-earned rise in real estate. After building a multi-million-dollar hospitality empire, G faced a high-profile personal bankruptcy in 2019. Rather than retreat, he rebuilt—wiser, sharper, and more grounded than ever.

Today, G brings an operator’s edge to every deal and a developer’s heart to every project. Known for seeing value where others don’t, he blends intuition, analytics, and street smarts to unlock hidden potential. Whether repositioning a neglected retail center or leading the master plan of a 30-acre urban infill, G is relentlessly focused on impact, efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Beyond real estate, G is an author, keynote speaker, and advocate for resilience, reinvention, and conscious leadership. His bestselling book F*ck Rock Bottom* shares the raw truth behind the comeback and what it really takes to rewrite your story.

G Patel

Spero Kalyoussef

Spero Kalyoussef is a seasoned real estate professional specializing in residential, commercial, and investment sales throughout Northern New Jersey. With a deep understanding of the local market and a strategic, client-first approach, he consistently delivers strong results across a wide range of property types. Spero is known for his integrity, market insight, and ability to build lasting relationships. Whether assisting families, business owners, or investors, he brings a high level of expertise and personalized service to every transaction. His dedication to excellence has earned him a trusted reputation across the region and a strong network of loyal clients.

Matt Faircloth has been a full-time investor since 2005. In that time, he has successfully completed projects involving dozens of fix and flips, office buildings, single family homes, and apartment buildings. He commands thousands of multifamily units in partnership with millions in passive investor equity, earning him recognition as a trusted authority, regular contributor and podcast guest on BiggerPockets®.

With an active YouTube channel dedicated to educating investors and a bestselling book, "Raising Private Capital: How to Build Your Real Estate Empire with Other People's Money," Matt offers invaluable insights and strategies to elevate your real estate journey.

Matt Faircloth

Freddie Nouri

Freddie Nouri, Co-Founder of Cousins Realty NJ, LLC, has built a strong track record across multiple real estate ventures. Over the past three years, he and his partner have completed and sold 28 successful flips, with two more currently in progress. Alongside their flipping business, they own and manage 13 multi-family and commercial properties housing 52 tenants, while Freddie also remains active as a licensed NJ Realtor with Realty One Group.

Much of his focus is on identifying new opportunities, overseeing renovations, and maximizing returns by acting as investor, general contractor, and realtor. While flipping provides momentum and growth, Freddie’s long-term vision is to continue scaling the rental portfolio and creating lasting passive income. He and his partner are also preparing to launch a fourth revenue stream: development—transforming older buildings into larger, more efficient rental properties that tie together their expertise in acquisitions, construction, and management.

Freddie’s foundation was built at his father’s repair shop in Paterson, NJ, where he learned discipline and grit. After graduating from Montclair State and working a decade in finance at Deloitte, Tiffany & Co., and Vornado Realty Trust, he shifted fully into real estate—a path that not only fuels his professional ambitions but also gives him the flexibility to spend time with his wife and three young kids, who love visiting his job sites.

Matt Merenoff has dedicated over 20 years to helping homeowners and professionals navigate the complexities of distressed real estate. As the founder of Realestate Recovery Group (RRG), established in 2013, he has become a national authority on loan modifications, short sales, and foreclosure prevention. His journey began as Director of a National For Sale By Owner program, where he quickly recognized the unique struggles homeowners face, motivating him to shift his focus to loss mitigation.

What sets Matt apart is his personal connection to the work—rooted in his wife’s own experience of losing her family home during college—which fuels his mission to protect others from the same fate. Known as the “Short Sale Savage,” he has authored five manuals, delivered more than 150 presentations, and provided one-on-one coaching to attorneys, agents, investors, and homeowners nationwide.

In 2022, he released his first book, Short Sale Savage, and in 2025, he expanded his impact with YourShortSaleSuccess.com, an education-on-demand platform offering lifetime-access training and certification. Matt’s commitment remains unwavering: to equip professionals and empower homeowners to face real estate challenges with confidence and clarity.