Brandon Schlichter’s path from a humble beginning in Central Ohio to making a global impact as an entrepreneur and investor is a testament to the power of determination and strategic thinking. Growing up in a family where his father drove trucks, and his mother sold cosmetics door-to-door, Brandon experienced financial hardship firsthand, including two evictions during his childhood.
Starting his career at age 18 in a fulfillment center earning $11.75 per hour, Brandon’s life took a dramatic turn when he obtained his real estate license in 2006. This decision introduced him to a world of possibilities he hadn’t previously imagined, including meeting successful individuals who would shape his future approach to business and wealth creation.
The Real Estate Foundation
Brandon’s first significant venture into real estate came in 2013 when he began purchasing and rehabilitating properties. His initial investment was a house bought for $23,500, which, after renovation, had a total investment of $60,000. Today, that same property is valued between $250,000 and $300,000.
Key strategies in his real estate success included:
- Partnering with investors to access more capital
- Building reliable maintenance crews
- Focusing on undervalued properties with potential
- Maintaining a long-term investment perspective
Expanding into Business Ownership
Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey expanded beyond real estate when he recognized opportunities in existing businesses.
His portfolio now includes:
- Laundromats
- Car washes
- Self-storage facilities
- A commercial roofing firm in the Chicago area
Leadership and Team Building
One of Brandon’s most valuable lessons came from hiring and managing teams. After losing nearly $1 million due to poor hiring decisions, he developed a new approach to building his team. His current hiring philosophy prioritizes three key attributes:
“I’m only going to hire people where their number one consideration is ethics and morality. Beyond work experience, I want to find people that are honest, truthful, and self-starters.”
– Brandon Schlichter
Making a Global Impact
Brandon’s success has enabled him to contribute to meaningful causes, including a water filtration project in Kenya. Working with local partners, he helped fund a facility that provides clean water at half a cent per gallon, making it both affordable and sustainable for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Brandon’s first significant business success?
His entry into real estate marked his first major success. After getting his license in 2006, he began building relationships with successful investors and learning about wealth-creation strategies that would shape his future ventures.
Q: How does Brandon approach hiring for his businesses?
Brandon prioritizes ethics, morality, and self-motivation over technical skills. He learned through experience that honest, ethical employees who are willing to learn are more valuable than those who claim extensive experience but lack integrity.
Q: What types of businesses does Brandon currently operate?
His business portfolio includes real estate investments, laundromats, car washes, self-storage facilities, and a commercial roofing company. Each business was chosen for its potential cash flow and ability to complement his existing operations.
Q: How does Brandon balance family life with business operations?
As a father of five children, Brandon prioritizes family time while managing his businesses. His wife focuses on homeschooling their children while he handles the business operations, maintaining a clear separation between work and family life.
