The Unvarnished Truth of Real Estate Entrepreneurship with Aaron Fragnito
In this episode of the REI Hacker Podcast, Benson Juarez sits down with Aaron Fragnito, co-founder of People’s Capital Group, to talk about the unfiltered side of real estate entrepreneurship. With more than 300 transactions to his name, Aaron opens up about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up — the mistakes, the lessons, and the wins along the way.
From Classroom to Closing Table
Before diving full-time into real estate, Aaron spent time as an adjunct professor at Rowan University, teaching Real Estate Entrepreneurship. That experience, he says, shaped his approach to business. “When you teach something, you learn even better,” he reflects. The classroom became his training ground, reinforcing lessons he’d later apply in deals and negotiations.
Cutting Through the Hype
Aaron doesn’t sugarcoat the entrepreneurial journey. “Entrepreneurship is glamorized by Instagram and media… It’s not Ferraris and houses in Palm Beach. It’s ramen noodles and driving a car with a dent in it,” he says. His candor strips away the social media gloss and reveals what success really looks like: long hours, financial uncertainty, and the grit to keep going anyway.
The Art of Raising Capital
For Aaron, trust is the currency of real estate. “Someone has to know, like, and trust you to write a check to invest in you,” he explains. Raising capital, he admits, is the hardest part of what he does. Through the New Jersey Real Estate Network, he’s built a reputation on transparency and relationship-building — qualities that have fueled his long-term success.
Strength in Partnerships
Aaron is quick to credit collaboration as a key to his growth. “You have to partner with someone who strengthens a couple of your weaknesses,” he says. His business partner, Seth Martinez, complements him with operational expertise and financial discipline — the yin to his entrepreneurial yang. Together, they’ve built a system that balances creativity with structure.
Facing the Pressure
Running a business that manages investor money isn’t for the faint of heart. Aaron admits there are moments of doubt. “You definitely second guess yourself from time to time,” he says. But those moments, he adds, are what push him to refine his systems, improve communication, and double down on due diligence.
Networking with Intention
Aaron’s networking philosophy is refreshingly unconventional. “Go to a room that has nothing to do with real estate,” he advises. “You’ll be the only real estate person there — now you’re unique, now you’re valuable.” It’s a strategy that’s helped him stand out, build authentic connections, and attract investors who might not otherwise be exposed to the industry.
Final Takeaway
Aaron Fragnito’s story is a grounded look at what entrepreneurship actually demands — persistence, humility, and an ability to adapt when plans go sideways. His journey proves that real success comes not from flash or luck, but from consistency, connection, and a relentless drive to keep learning.
Subscribe to the REI Hacker Podcast for more raw, real-world conversations with leaders like Aaron Fragnito who are redefining success in real estate.
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