Building Wealth, Stories & Studios | Brent Lindstrom on Real Estate, Writing & the 10-Year Freedom Plan

Most people want to follow their dreams, but they’re stuck trading time for money. They tell themselves, “someday I’ll write that book, make that film, or start that business,” but life, bills, and fear keep getting in the way.

Without a plan, passion alone isn’t enough. Too many creative entrepreneurs burn out chasing projects that don’t pay—or worse, they never start at all. They look up years later still waiting for “the right time.”

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Brent Lindstrom—real estate developer, investor, and author of One for the Money, Two for the Soul—about how he turned a $45K salary and a 10-year plan into full financial independence. Brent shares how he used cash flow from real estate to fund his writing and film career, why “clean fiction” is his calling, and how he’s now building a studio that gives young filmmakers real opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How Brent went from construction worker to financially free investor and storyteller.

• The 10-year plan that allowed him to quit working for money and focus on creative work.

• Why financial spreadsheets were the key to his freedom.

• How he used real estate development to fund his writing and filmmaking dreams.

• Why he writes “clean fiction” adults can enjoy without worry.

• How he’s building a film studio supported by rental cash flow—so creativity never depends on investors.

• Why giving back through mentorship and student collaboration fuels long-term success.

• How to combine your left-brain (finance) and right-brain (creativity) for a truly balanced life.

About the Guest:

Having spent most of his life in Utah, Brent Lindstrom has been surrounded by a strong community of Christians and is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A lifelong fan of adventure stories, he grew increasingly frustrated with the excessive profanity and sexual content that pervade much of modern fiction. Determined to create an alternative, he began writing adult novels that deliver the thrill, depth, and excitement of the genre—without the vulgarity.

Believing that readers shouldn’t have to settle for young adult fiction just to avoid inappropriate content, Brent Lindstrom writes stories crafted with adults in mind—clean, engaging, and full of adventure. His passion for storytelling and love of good books inspire him to write whenever time allows, even while maintaining a full-time career.

His goal is to publish at least one novel per year, gradually building a library of uplifting, exciting stories. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his creative vision into film, bringing his stories to life on the big screen. Guided by the belief that life is too short to ignore one’s passions, he lives by the motto: “Live your dreams!”

Links:

https://www.lightmindedarts.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d mortgage my house, rent it out, and invest that money in the stock market to start trading. Then I’d hit the farms, knock on doors, and find land to buy or develop. Once I find the right deal, I’d get the financing, flip it, and repeat until I’m back.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting a swimming pool company. I thought I knew what I was doing because I’d built pools before—but I lost half a million dollars on that one. Painful, but it taught me a lot.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Two: Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw—because it shows how hustle and learning build empires. And Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki—because it’s still the best common-sense guide to money.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Microsoft 365. It’s not flashy, but Excel, Outlook, and Copilot AI run my world. I build everything—budgets, forecasts, writing drafts—in that suite.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having the choice to do what you want in life. Freedom isn’t retirement—it’s the ability to choose your journey every day and follow your dreams while you’re still able to enjoy them.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

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