On today’s episode of Ask Brien, Traci DeForge sits down with Jose Berlanga, CEO of Houstonian Capital and Onyx Land Partners. With 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jose helps business owners tackle critical questions like breaking even, valuing their time, and managing budgets. As a real estate developer, he’s worked with businesses across industries—from restaurants to oil and gas. Don’t miss insights from his book, The Business of Home Building, available now on Amazon!

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [5:29] Jose reflects on his early influences, particularly his father's work ethic, which inspired his entrepreneurial journey.
• [8:14] Common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, and why delegation and clear operating procedures are essential for success in any business.
• [18:30] Entrepreneurs must understand business finances and budgeting to ensure long-term success. Jose shares practical advice on how to do this effectively.
• [25:21] Jose discusses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in estimating costs and the importance of having cash reserves and contingency plans.
• [33:45] Jose shares his book, The Business of Home Building.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• As a business grows, the ability to delegate becomes crucial for continued success. Entrepreneurs must learn to trust their team and empower them to take on responsibilities, allowing the business to scale effectively. Holding onto control can stifle growth and lead to burnout, as no one person can manage every aspect of a growing enterprise. By letting go of control and fostering a culture of collaboration, entrepreneurs can focus on strategic decision-making and innovation, driving the business forward.
• Having clear operating procedures and a well-thought-out business plan is essential for guiding a business towards its goals. These tools provide a roadmap for decision-making and help ensure consistency and efficiency in operations. A solid business plan outlines the vision, mission, and objectives of the business, serving as a foundation for growth and adaptation. It also helps in communicating the business's value proposition to stakeholders, including investors, employees, and customers, aligning everyone towards a common purpose.
• Effective financial management is the backbone of any successful business, and budgeting plays a critical role in this process. Entrepreneurs must have a clear understanding of their financial situation, including cash flow, expenses, and revenue projections. A well-structured budget helps in making informed decisions, allocating resources efficiently, and preparing for unexpected challenges. By keeping a close eye on finances, entrepreneurs can ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of their business.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Find Jose at joseberlanga.com

The Business of Home Building by Jose Berlanga

BIO

Jose Miguel Berlanga originally from Mexico City, arrived in Houston Texas during the mid 80’s where he began his career as an entrepreneur while attending the University of St. Thomas. Now a business owner with over 35 years of experience, Jose Miguel has been the founder and co-founder of numerous successful companies in various fields such as the oil and gas, import/export, service and restaurant businesses, manufacturing, distribution and most known for his involvement in the real estate and residential construction industry.

For the last 26 years he has been the CEO of several construction companies dedicated to investing, designing and developing residential projects. In 1997 he co-founded Tricon Homes turning it into an industry leader with yearly revenues of $100 million. Tricon Homes was a pivotal component in catapulting the revitalization of old neighborhoods as one of the most important pioneers in rebuilding Houston’s inner city. As the CEO, he has structured deals, invested, negotiated land acquisitions and sales transactions in excess of a billion dollars while managing the day-to-day operations building close to 2000 homes to this day.

Jose Miguel is a graduate from the university of St. Thomas with multiple degrees in Business Administration, Economics and Philosophy. Jose’s discipline and methodic approach allows him to create customized strategies to maximize the potential of each project. His passion for business and life have led him to inspire and motivate his teams by being an example and a mentor that consistently delivers results through a strong work ethic.