Awarepreneurs - #1049: Awarepreneurs interview

🔖 Titles

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1. Building Generational Wealth in Hawaii: Fuzzy Jardine on Real Estate and Overcoming Adversity 2. Navigating Hawaii's Cost of Living: Fuzzy Jardine’s Path from Prison to Real Estate Success 3. Affordable Housing in Hawaii: Fuzzy Jardine’s Mission to Empower Local Communities 4. From Addiction to Abundance: Fuzzy Jardine’s Real Estate Journey in Hawaii 5. Surviving and Thriving in Expensive Markets: Fuzzy Jardine’s Real Estate Wisdom 6. Creating Wealth and Opportunity for Native Hawaiians with Fuzzy Jardine 7. Ethical Real Estate Strategies for Challenging Markets with Fuzzy Jardine 8. Aloha and Affordable Homes: Fuzzy Jardine’s Community-Focused Real Estate Vision 9. Transforming Lives Through Real Estate: Fuzzy Jardine’s Story of Hope and Grit 10. Overcoming Barriers: Native Hawaiian Wealth Building with Fuzzy Jardine on Awarepreneurs

💬 Keywords

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cost of living crisis, real estate investing, Hawaii housing market, generational wealth, affordable housing, Native Hawaiian community, overcoming addiction, federal prison experience, house hacking, rental portfolio, financial mindset, using other people’s money (OPM), foreclosure, creative financing, building wealth, community impact, ethical investing, fractional business development, networking, local contractors, housing innovation, sustainable living, rural housing, water catchment systems, mindset shift, educational programs, homeownership barriers, social entrepreneurship, financial literacy, supporting local families

💡 Speaker bios

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Paul Zelizer is the founder and host of AwarePreneurs, recognized as the world's longest running social entrepreneur podcast. With a passion for supporting changemakers, Paul uses his platform to amplify the voices of social entrepreneurs tackling today’s most pressing issues. Each week, he helps listeners navigate challenges—from the rising cost of living to building impact-driven businesses—by connecting them with innovative leaders and practical solutions. Through AwarePreneurs, Paul continues to foster a global community dedicated to conscious and sustainable business growth.

ℹ️ Introduction

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Welcome to another episode of Awarepreneurs, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, hosted by [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A). Today we have an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B), co-founder of Hui Mastermind. Fuzzy’s incredible journey takes us from his challenging beginnings—growing up with nothing in Hawaii, struggling with addiction, and spending years in federal prison—to his transformation into a successful real estate investor who’s helped create over 100 affordable homes and a six-million-dollar rental portfolio for Native Hawaiians and locals. In this episode, [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) shares how he leveraged other people’s money, gained wisdom from mentors inside and outside prison, and built a business that not only changed his own financial destiny but is also helping his community navigate Hawaii’s soaring cost of living. We dive into Fuzzy’s unique, step-by-step “HUI” framework, discuss how he builds generational wealth ethically, and explore the importance of community, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you’re curious about real estate investing, passionate about social impact, or looking for inspiration to overcome your own obstacles, this episode promises valuable insights and practical advice on how to create positive change for yourself and your community—even in the most challenging markets.

❇️ Key topics and bullets

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Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the episode "Awarepreneurs interview - Fuzzy Jardine," with sub-topics outlined beneath each main topic: --- **1. Introduction & Overview** - Introduction to the Awarepreneurs podcast and host [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) - Introduction of guest [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) - Explanation of the episode’s central topic: Surviving in any market, navigating the cost of living crisis - Context setting: Hawaii as one of the world’s most expensive markets --- **2. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B)'s Background and Early Experiences** - Childhood in Hawaii with a single mother and grandparents - Influences: hardworking family, exposure to substance use and raucous influences - Teenage years: Introduction to surfing culture and addiction - Early work experiences (Safeway, Chevron) --- **3. Descent into Addiction and Incarceration** - Escalation from substance use to dealing drugs - Military service as an attempted “escape” and its ineffectiveness - Culmination in federal prison sentence --- **4. Turning Point: Lessons Learned in Prison** - Relief at being arrested; opportunity for self-reflection and change - Focus on self-improvement: health, mindset, and reading - Reading “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” (Robert Kiyosaki) - Learning about real estate, residual income, and using other people’s money (OPM) - Building connections with other incarcerated individuals with financial expertise --- **5. First Steps After Release** - Challenges with employment due to criminal record - Early jobs: window cleaning, surf instruction, valet - Challenge: inability to afford a home despite multiple jobs --- **6. Real Estate Education and Breaking Into the Market** - Discovery of Fortune Builders’ event through a radio commercial - Enrollment in an expensive real estate education program, funded by loans and credit - Introduction to creative financing, including OPM --- **7. Early Real Estate Deals and Building Momentum** - Assisting parents through foreclosure with help from coaches - Learning the step-by-step process: comps, options, negotiations - Becoming a valuable partner by leveraging local relationships and construction knowledge --- **8. Implementing the ‘Pono Way’ and Community Impact** - First significant deal using creative financing methods (subject-to, owner financing) - Ethically supporting homeowners, delivering “win-win” solutions with aloha (compassion and love) - Scaling operations: learning through partnerships and hands-on experience --- **9. Scaling Up: From 1-6 Houses per Year to 24+** - Partnership with local developers, leveraging education community and Facebook groups for fundraising - Proof of concept: multiple successful builds, affordable homes for local residents - Strategic focus on rural areas with more affordable land and unique infrastructure (e.g., water catchment systems) - Consistent growth: building 24+ houses per year to sustain teams and serve communities --- **10. Lessons in Market Adaptation and Innovation** - Importance of knowing local markets versus reacting to macroeconomic news - Creative cost reduction through innovative building practices and sourcing --- **11. Mission-Driven Work: Supporting Local & Native Communities** - Commitment to prioritizing local families as buyers/renters - Acknowledgment of broader gentrification and displacement issues facing native and land-based communities - Emphasis on education, collaboration, and the power of communities working together --- **12. Mindset, Mentorship, and Personal Growth** - The power of mindset, self-education, and surrounding oneself with inspiring people - Overcoming limiting beliefs about money and property ownership - The “crabs in a bucket” analogy: navigating unsupportive social circles - The importance of risk, perseverance, and focusing on one's “why” --- **13. Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future** - Expanding impact by educating both locals and outside investors on ethical, community-focused real estate development - Balancing affordable housing development and rental opportunities for local families - Envisioning continued growth in both personal investment properties and community education/leadership --- **14. Final Messages and How to Connect** - Words of encouragement for listeners in challenging circumstances - Practical advice: always ask for help, seek knowledge, and provide value to others - Contact information for [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) (Instagram, website) - Invitation to connect, collaborate, and share aloha --- This outline captures the flow and depth of the conversation, covering both personal journey and broader strategies for navigating high-cost living markets with integrity and community focus.

📚 Timestamped overview

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00:00 "Fuzzy's Journey: Real Estate Empowerment"

04:41 "Journey through Addiction and Change"

08:52 Path to Homeownership through House Hacking

10:48 "Chasing Dreams and New Opportunities"

13:19 Redemption Through Choices

17:32 "Coaching Process for Home Sale"

22:12 Learning from a Local Developer

23:19 "Real Estate Partnership Success"

28:50 "Finding Purpose in Affordable Housing"

32:25 "Smart Market Strategies Explained"

34:57 Building a $6 Million Portfolio

38:46 "Real Estate Demand and Scarcity"

42:28 Community Empowerment Through Housing

45:41 "Taking Risks Shapes Success"

48:04 "Positive Impact for Your Business"

🎞️ Clipfinder: Quotes, Hooks, & Timestamps

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Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:06:48 00:06:56

Turning Point Behind Bars: "And when I got arrested, it was a big relief because I knew that this was my time to make a shift or the epiphany of my life."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:08:34 00:08:52

Viral Topic: Learning from Unexpected Mentors in Prison: "And I just spent a lot of time in there thinking, okay, what was I going to do when I got out? Because I know how expensive Hawaii is and you know, just knew that somehow like real estate, I watched my grandfather, they, they, you know, they owned the rental."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:09:07 00:09:23

Viral Topic: House Hacking
Quote: "you can not pay taxes and do a house hack by where you would purchase a busted up house, you live in it, fix it up, and then within, you know, within two years or two to five years, you can flip it and not pay taxes."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:11:08 00:11:22

Viral Topic: Overcoming Financial Hurdles Through New Opportunities: "I had three jobs but guess what? I had no time and I was still looking for something to be able to help me buy my place because that income I was making, it wasn't enough, right, to buy my own home."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:18:24 00:18:36

Viral Topic: The Power of Guidance in Real Estate Decisions
Quote: "I jumped back in the car and I was like, you know what I told the coaches, I was like, anything you guys need me to do, I will. I know people who do construction, you know, blah, blah, blah."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:21:15 00:21:31

Viral Topic: Learning Real Estate From Scratch
"You know, financially, I still was working, but what I ended up doing was quitting my three jobs and work for my best friend who's a general contractor, so I could learn the numbers, how the different trades came in, what they charged, so the whole process."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:23:15 00:23:19

Viral Topic: Seeking Mentorship in Real Estate
"I gave him a call, I said, bro, I wanna, I wanna learn from you."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:23:45 00:24:08

How I Did My First Real Estate Deal: “So I brought the opportunity or the pitch deck and presented it to our Facebook, you know, community. And what happened was a bunch of people message. And then, you know, a couple from Maui, they're still in investing with me today, they brought the funds, right? They brought the funds to, you know, purchase the lot, build the home, and then we split profits at the back end.”

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:29:13 00:29:36

Viral Topic: The Dark Side of Foreclosures
Quote: "Foreclosures suck because there's this stories behind people that live under those roofs and, and sometimes it can get sticky and it's, it's sometimes painful to, to watch the situations that I see other people, you know, just kicking people, you know, with, with those."

Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine 00:43:41 00:43:55

Giving Back to the Community: "becoming a part of the movement to give back to the community, I believe is, you know, a positive way to help, you know, other people that, you know, are doing good stuff for the community."

🎬 Reel script

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On today’s episode of Awarepreneurs, I sat down with Fuzzy Jardine, a remarkable Native Hawaiian entrepreneur who went from addiction and prison to building a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio—all while empowering his local community to thrive in Hawaii’s high-cost market. We dived deep into how Fuzzy survived the cost of living crisis by harnessing creativity, community, and ethical investing. His journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change your story, build wealth ethically, and support the places and people you love. Don’t miss these inspiring insights into surviving and thriving—no matter what market you’re in.

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

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Just finished listening to an inspiring episode of Awarepreneurs featuring Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine’s journey from adversity to impact in Hawaii’s real estate market. If you’re navigating high costs of living or exploring ethical wealth-building, this story is a must-hear. Key takeaways: - **Resilient Mindset Wins:** [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) shows that even after serious setbacks—including addiction and incarceration—shifting your mindset and surrounding yourself with positive mentors can transform your financial destiny. - **Community-Based Success:** Building “hui” (community alliances) and providing value—rather than going solo—has been crucial in creating affordable housing for local families, allowing more Hawaiians to stay in their homeland. - **Creative Financing:** The path to building generational wealth doesn’t always require starting capital. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) leveraged other people’s money and resources to launch a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio, highlighting the power of creative deals and partnerships. If you’re interested in impact entrepreneurship, affordable housing, or how to thrive in even the toughest markets—check out this episode and get inspired by [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B)’s Pono Way! #Awarepreneurs #RealEstate #SocialImpact #WealthBuilding #CommunityDevelopment

🗞️ Newsletter

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**Subject: From Prison to Purpose: Building Wealth & Community in Hawaii – Fuzzy Jardine’s Journey 🌺** Aloha, Awarepreneurs Community! This week on the Awarepreneurs podcast, we welcomed the inspiring [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B), co-founder of Hui Mastermind, who joined [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) to discuss “How to Survive in Any Market: Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis.” If you’ve felt the squeeze of skyrocketing expenses or wondered how real change is possible, this episode is a must-listen. **From Tough Beginnings to Transformational Change** Fuzzy’s story is extraordinary. Growing up in Hawaii, he saw hard work modeled by his mom and grandparents, but struggled with addiction and ended up in federal prison. Rather than defeat, incarceration became his turning point. Fuzzy found inspiration through reading, connected with mentors (including some unexpectedly wise inmates!), and dedicated himself to creating a better life on the outside. **Turning Knowledge into Action** Post-prison, things weren’t easy. Fuzzy faced closed doors, but through persistence—and a $26,000 education funded through creative loans—he learned how to succeed in Hawaii’s ultra-competitive real estate market. His approach? Using “other people’s money,” leveraging community connections, and focusing not just on profit, but purpose. He soon found his niche: building affordable homes for Native Hawaiians and locals, using innovative construction and financing models that keep costs down WITHOUT sacrificing quality. **Impact Today: Community Wealth and Empowerment** Today, Fuzzy oversees a $6 million rental portfolio, more than 100 affordable homes, and facilitates ownership opportunities for locals at prices far below Hawaii’s market norm. He’s not just building houses—he’s building community, teaching others to do the same, and advocating for groups to support each other (“hui” means group in Hawaiian). **Key Takeaways from Fuzzy's Journey:** - **Community Comes First:** True impact comes when you work together, share knowledge, and lift each other up. - **Creativity Over Capital:** You don’t always need your own money—just resourcefulness, education, and strong relationships. - **Never Too Late:** No matter your past, you can choose a new future and create generational wealth. - **Focus on Value:** Both for your family and your wider community—lead with service, and opportunities will follow. **Listen to the Full Episode** Ready to be inspired by Fuzzy’s wisdom—and maybe catch a few real estate tips, too? [Listen to the episode here!](#) **Connect with Fuzzy** Interested in his work, or want to say aloha? - Instagram: @hifuzz - Website: [fuzzyjardine.com](https://fuzzyjardine.com) **Mahalo for Being Part of Our Ohana!** If you know someone struggling with the high cost of living—or anyone who could use a dose of hope—please share this episode. And if you love our conversations, hit subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach even more change-makers. Keep working for positive impact, Paul & The Awarepreneurs Team --- P.S. Want to build your own impact business or need support navigating uncertainty? [Reach out to Paul](https://paulzelizer.com)—let’s create something meaningful together!

🧵 Tweet thread

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🔥 HOW TO SURVIVE IN ANY MARKET (Even Hawaii): The Real Story of Generational Wealth from the Ground Up 🌱🏠 👇 A thread for anyone feeling squeezed by the cost of living, inspired by [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) and [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A)’s raw conversation on AwarePreneurs 👇 1/ Hawaii = paradise for some, home crisis for many. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A): “Has anybody in your network been talking about the cost of living and how it just keeps going up?” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. 💸🌴 2/ Enter [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B): - Native Hawaiian, former addict & dealer, prison survivor - Now owns 100+ affordable homes, a $6M portfolio, and teaches others to do it—ethically. His story is pure resilience. 3/ Growing up with nothing, [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) watched his mom work 2–3 jobs. Early lesson: survival means hustle. Add in family troubles, addiction, prison… you'd expect a sad ending. Instead? It was a reset. 4/ Prison = wake-up call. He started reading everything: the Bible, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and—critical—he networked with people who understood money (yes, even Martha Stewart’s broker was in the mix 🤯). Key: surround yourself with people smarter than you. 5/ First mission → Own a home. But Hawaii real estate was WILDLY expensive. He didn’t have cash, but: - He hustled 3 jobs - Built great credit - Used loans (other people’s money!) to invest in education and eventually in real estate Lesson: You don’t need your own $$$, you need knowledge and creativity. 6/ His first deals? - Started with helping his parents in foreclosure - Connected with coaches, became their “go-to,” learned by doing favors & offering value (not money) - Became a connector between desperate homeowners, ethical investors, and reliable local crews 7/ Growth formula = Community > Competition [“Hui” = group helping each other, in the Hawaiian way] Leverage local knowledge, relationships, and help others WIN—don’t just take. That’s how he scaled to 24+ builds/year, sold below $400k when average prices were $1M+. 8/ He didn’t stop at flipping. He built a RENTAL portfolio for true generational wealth. Today, his mission? Help locals and Native Hawaiians STAY on their homeland by teaching the same “Pono Way” (ethical, community-focused real estate). 9/ THE TAKEAWAYS: - Your past doesn’t define your legacy - You don’t need cash, you need resourcefulness - Invest in education & people - Community lifts everyone—find your “hui” - Build for impact, not just profit 10/ For every entrepreneur, builder, or hustler feeling squeezed by today’s economy—REMEMBER: You can reinvent yourself. You can create win-win opportunities. You can make a real difference, right where you live. Share this thread if you believe in the power of second chances & community-driven wealth! 🌺🤝 Full convo: Listen to [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) & [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) on AwarePreneurs! #RealEstate #CostOfLiving #ImpactBiz #SocialEntrepreneur

❓ Questions

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Absolutely! Here are 10 discussion questions based on this episode of Awarepreneurs featuring [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B): 1. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) shares his experience growing up in Hawaii and how the cost of living influenced his early choices. How do you think environment and economic pressures shape people’s values and life decisions? 2. The episode describes [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B)'s journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a successful real estate investor. What factors do you think contributed most to his transformation? 3. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) emphasizes using "other people’s money and time" to build wealth. What are the ethical considerations of this approach, especially in communities experiencing economic hardship? 4. The concept of "the Pono Way" is referenced as an ethical framework for investing in Hawaii. How do cultural values impact business decisions, particularly in real estate and community development? 5. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) mentions parallels between Hawaii and other land-based communities, like Santa Fe, New Mexico. What lessons from [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B)’s story could be applied to similar communities facing displacement due to rising costs? 6. Throughout the episode, community plays a central role—whether through the hui (collective) model or by supporting local families. How important is community collaboration in addressing housing affordability and economic challenges? 7. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) talks openly about the stigma and challenges of reentering society after prison. What support systems or policy changes could make reintegration easier for formerly incarcerated individuals? 8. In building affordable homes, [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) found creative solutions like water catchment and rural building. What innovative strategies could make housing more affordable in other costly regions? 9. The episode discusses mindset and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people. How much do you believe mindset and social networks influence financial and personal success? 10. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) encourages listeners to serve their community and not let failure or outside opinions stop them. How can individuals balance personal ambition with community wellbeing when building a business or pursuing wealth? Feel free to use these questions to spark meaningful conversations—there’s a lot of depth in [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B)'s story and insights!

🪡 Threads by Instagram

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1. "What you do today will determine your tomorrow." [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) turned pain into purpose, building generational wealth for his community. Your past doesn't define your future—your choices do. 2. Real change starts with community. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) shows the power of hui—locals working together—to beat rising costs and keep land in the hands of those who belong. 3. Affordable housing isn’t just a dream. [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) built 100+ homes in Hawaii using creativity and other people’s money. Learning, innovating, and collaborating makes it possible anywhere. 4. Place matters. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) asks: how can native and long-rooted communities fight displacement? The answer: value, support, and innovation—protect the legacy while building the future. 5. Don’t let “crabs in a bucket” pull you down. Surround yourself with those who uplift, educate yourself, and keep your eyes on your why. The barriers are real, but your purpose is stronger.

SEO Description Summary

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In this episode of Awarepreneurs, [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) interviews [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B), co-founder of Hui Mastermind, about overcoming adversity, building generational wealth through real estate, and navigating Hawaii’s high cost of living. Fuzzy shares his inspiring journey from addiction and incarceration to empowering Native Hawaiians with sustainable housing and entrepreneurial strategies.

LinkedIn Thought Leader post

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Certainly! Here are **two LinkedIn posts** in the style and tone of your Bryce Kennedy examples, but featuring [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and based on content from the provided transcript: --- **1.** Is community-driven real estate the key to building generational wealth in high-cost markets? How can social entrepreneurs help local families thrive – even as prices drive so many away? What if your business could unlock affordable housing, not just profits? We explored these questions on the Awarepreneurs podcast with [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) and special guest [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B), a leader in Hawaii’s movement for ethical real estate development. One standout insight from [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A): “If we create a community only thinking about, well, let me see what I can take and how fast I can take it… it’s probably not going to work. We give; we look for ways to provide value.” Our conversation went deep on collaboration. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) stressed that innovative partnerships and investing in tight-knit networks are crucial for tackling housing crises—especially where cultural connection to place matters. Key takeaway: Focus on building reciprocal value. Whether you have resources, relationships, or expertise, showing up for your community is what creates long-term wins. How are you helping your community succeed in tough times? Let’s share best practices in the comments—and check out the full episode for more on social entrepreneurship and resilient real estate. --- **2.** What does it really take to survive—and thrive—in today’s cost of living crisis? How do entrepreneurs build financial resilience when traditional paths just aren’t accessible? What if ethical business could shape the future for families being priced out of their hometowns? On the latest Awarepreneurs episode, [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) hosted [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) to unpack practical and creative strategies for affordable housing in Hawaii—one of the world’s most expensive markets. A powerful perspective from [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A): “You really got smart about each piece… You still came out with a quality product, but you found innovative ways to reduce the cost. And who you were selling to, they were good with that. It was a real win win.” We dove into the importance of knowing your market, leveraging partnerships, and rethinking what business-as-usual looks like in tight economies. [Paul Zelizer](/speakers/A) highlighted that transformative change starts by questioning norms—and building with originality and heart. Actionable insight: Map out your costs, double down on local knowledge, and seek creative alliances. That’s how businesses can serve both their clients and their communities during challenging times. How are you adapting your business to the economic moment? Drop your ideas or questions below—and listen in to the full conversation for more social impact wisdom. ---

Key takeaways

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Certainly! Here are the **three key takeaways** from the Awarepreneurs episode with Fuzzy Jardine, each illustrated by a core quote from the episode, modeled in the tone and format of your sample: --- **1. Personal Transformation Enables New Paths to Wealth and Purpose** [Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine](/speakers/B) illustrates that even from the most challenging beginnings—including addiction, incarceration, and poverty—individuals can pivot toward building personal wealth and serving their community. His journey from struggling youth to real estate investor underscores the possibility of deep personal change and the acquisition of new skills regardless of past mistakes. > “Even if you do make mistakes, you know, we go down the wrong path but choose to change to become a better person. … If you put your mind to it, you have really, really burning, really burning. Why in your life or a really solid, you can see the goal or, or dream that you have and not let anybody stop you. You can accomplish it.” --- **2. Building Generational Wealth Creatively and Ethically—The Pono Way** Fuzzy’s approach centers on making real estate accessible through creative financing (“other people’s money”), a hyper-local mindset, and putting ethical business practices at the forefront. He demonstrates that by truly knowing your community, creatively leveraging resources, and prioritizing ethical partnerships, anyone can contribute to generational wealth for those often left out of traditional markets. > "All of this that I'm doing today was off of borrowed money, other people's money... and we, a lot of us think that we need the money to do stuff which we really know in a way. Yes, but we don't. You just got to be creative ... and I'm in a way better place than I was ... I'm blessed to be alive today because ... I think God kept me here for a reason to, to tell my story." --- **3. Local-Led Community Solutions are Key to Affordable Housing Crisis** Rather than accepting prevailing narratives about unaffordable real estate markets, Fuzzy champions local solutions—building affordable homes by leveraging community knowledge, relationships, and shared ownership structures (“hui”). He underscores that collective action, cultural respect, and focusing on providing value together can protect and empower native and long-time residents, even amid market pressures. > "I would go to aloha, right? I mean love and work together. Together. Like, and that's what hui mean. Hui whoi is a community of like minded individuals or people that, you know, work in a group to help each other. … A community is huge and working together. … Try to think of how you can help your brother or sister first, you know, and how you guys can help that community. Because we see outsiders coming in with money and it doesn't only happen in Hawaii. Like, it's everywhere, right?" --- These three takeaways reveal not just a roadmap for individual reinvention or real estate investment, but a blueprint for how communities can come together to address the cost of living crisis—rooted in ethics, creativity, and shared responsibility.

Leading question

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What if the key to thriving—no matter how high the cost of living climbs—was hidden in creative collaboration and a fresh perspective on wealth? These are just a few of the provocative questions we explored with Kaliah Fuzzy Jardine on the latest Awarepreneurs podcast episode, hosted by our very own Paul Zelizer.

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