Brad Westover's 30-Year Journey: From Tax Sale Novice to Industry Leader

Join Brian as he sits down with longtime industry colleague Brad Westover, Executive Director of the National Tax Lien Association (NTLA) - the only nonprofit organization working to improve the tax sale space. In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brad shares his remarkable 30-year journey from college graduate to industry leader, including his role in passing California tax lien legislation and managing $1.5 billion in investments across 22 states.

What You'll Learn:

• How the tax lien industry was founded in 1996-1997 by two rival companies that couldn't even be in the same room together
• The basics of tax lien investing are explained in simple terms - what happens when property owners don't pay their taxes
• Why 29 states, plus Washington, DC, allow private investors to purchase tax liens
• The critical role tax lien sales play in helping local governments balance budgets and fund essential services
• Major challenges facing the industry, including a significant Supreme Court case coming in 2026
• Why property tax abolition efforts in Ohio and Florida could be devastating for local communities

Key Timestamps:

• [01:23] - Brad's origin story in the tax lien space
• [07:55] - Tax liens explained for beginners
• [36:46] - Discussion of Montana agriculture and working lands
• [38:08] - The inspiring story of Franz Wisner
• [42:26] - Industry challenges and the 2026 Supreme Court case

Get in touch with Brad

Executive Director, National Tax Lien Association 

(NTLA) Email: [email protected] 

Website: NTLA.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-westover-realtor/

Resources Mentioned

1. "The 16% Solution" by Joel Moskowitz - A foundational text in tax lien investing, written about 30 years ago, still considered essential reading for understanding the industry basics
2. "Honeymoon with My Brother" by Franz Wisner - An inspiring story about turning life's setbacks into opportunities; movie rights sold to Sony Pictures for $1 million

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021/ 

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