Discovering Hidden Multifamily Gems with Paul Poteet of Surge Investment Group

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Paul Poteet, founder of Surge Capital Group. Brian and Paul trace Paul’s journey from a business-management major fresh out of college to becoming a multifamily developer carving out a unique niche in tertiary markets. 

Rather than chasing high-profile zip codes, Paul explains his “zoning-first” strategy, targeting commercial zones that allow multifamily by right, snapping up overlooked parcels in places like Ogden, Utah, and secondary metros across the South, and then taking projects from land acquisition through entitlement, construction, lease-up, and sale over a 1–3-year cycle. 

Along the way, Paul shares hard-earned lessons on growth and efficiency: how doing fewer, high-quality deals and preserving cash reserves can safeguard a young business; why the mantra “hire slow, fire fast” is vital; and how standardizing building designs has become Surge Capital Group’s secret sauce for maximizing profits. He also opens up about personal growth, shifting his focus from purely financial goals to family, relationships, and the power of visualizing success before it happens. 

Timestamps

1. Guest Background & Career Path – 01:11 
2. Surge Investment Group’s Full-Cycle Multifamily Model (Land Sourcing to Sale) – 03:37 
3. Zoning-Based Approach & Ogden, Utah Case Study – 07:11 
4. Criteria for Selecting Secondary Markets (Zoning + Growth) – 10:23 
5. Key Lessons Learned (Challenges & Success Nuggets) – 14:36

Get in touch with Paul

Website: http://surgeredev.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/

Contact info: [email protected]

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/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Book Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328

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