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Every entrepreneur knows the feeling: the deal that fell apart at the finish line, the project that took longer than expected, the market shift that changed the rules overnight. On this episode of the Next Level Income podcast, we sit down with Jose Miguel Berlanga to unpack a simple but powerful truth—grit is good, but only when it’s paired with clarity, humility, and the willingness to get back up again.
With more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Jose Miguel Berlanga brings a global perspective shaped by his roots in Mexico City and his impact on Houston’s real estate market. As a co-founder of Tricon Homes, he has seen cycles come and go, markets boom and cool, and teams rise through adversity. His story is a masterclass in resilience—one that goes beyond motivational quotes and dives into the daily disciplines that keep leaders steady when pressure is high.
In this conversation, Jose shares how early setbacks helped define his leadership style. Rather than seeing failure as a verdict, he treats it as feedback. That mindset shift—viewing challenges as data instead of defeat—has helped him navigate everything from tight financing environments to complex partnerships. He emphasizes that grit isn’t about stubbornly pushing forward at all costs; it’s about learning when to pivot, when to ask for help, and when to double down on what truly matters.
Jose’s diverse academic background in business administration, economics, and philosophy adds a thoughtful layer to his approach. He talks about building businesses with principles, not just playbooks. Philosophy, he explains, sharpens judgment when the spreadsheet can’t tell the whole story. Economics provides a long-term lens in short-term storms. And business fundamentals keep the engine running even when morale dips. Together, they form a toolkit for leaders who want to grow with integrity.
As the author of The Business of Home Building and a mentor to countless entrepreneurs, Jose is passionate about paying lessons forward. In the episode, he offers practical ways to build “resilience muscle”: create honest feedback loops, invest in relationships before you need them, and protect your energy so you can show up consistently. He also shares what he’s learning while working on his second book—proof that growth doesn’t stop, even after decades of success.
If your business has knocked you down recently, this episode is a reminder that getting back up is a skill you can train. Grit is good—but guided grit is better. Tune in to hear how to keep moving forward with perspective, purpose, and a long-game mindset.
Resources & Links
🌐 https://joseberlanga.com/
🌐 Jose’s Book
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Christopher Larsen is the founder and Managing Partner of Next-Level Income. Since “retiring” after 18 years in the medical device industry he dedicates his time to helping others become financially independent through education and investment opportunities. Chris has been investing in and managing real estate for over 20 years.
While completing his degree in Biomechanical Engineering and M.B.A. in Finance at Virginia Tech, he bought his first single-family rental at age 21. Chris expanded into development, private-lending, buying distressed debt as well as commercial office, and ultimately syndicating multifamily properties. He began syndicating deals in 2016 and has been actively involved in over $500M of real estate acquisitions.
In addition to real estate, Chris has invested in equities, oil & gas, and small business lending, as well as being active in Venture South, one of the nation’s Top 10 Angel Investing groups. Chris lives with his wife and two boys (and Viszla, Lucy!) in Asheville, NC where he loves spending time with them in the outdoors and enjoying the food and culture that the region has to offer.
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