In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Ryan Rans, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Great Lakes Capital, a real estate development firm. Ryan shares insights on leading strategy for a billion-dollar portfolio, the unique advantages of building a business in the Midwest, and how relationships drive opportunities in real estate development. They discuss the value of peer groups for entrepreneurs, the passion behind team building, and Ryan's journey working alongside his wife in business. Ryan also opens up about his boxing experience at Notre Dame and reveals how fly fishing helps him disconnect from the constant demands of entrepreneurship. 

Learn more about Great Lakes Capital.  

Key Takeaways:

• Great Lakes Capital's focus and Ryan's role (0:58)
• Building a successful real estate development firm in the Midwest (3:45)
• The importance of relationships in business expansion (6:02)
• Value of entrepreneurial peer groups (7:00)
• What people misunderstand about Ryan (9:47)
• Ryan's edge: intelligence paired with work ethic (12:09)
• Ryan's boxing journey at Notre Dame (15:00 and 21:15)
• Working with a spouse as a business partner (15:25)
• Finding “balance” as entrepreneurial partners (16:18)
• The peace found in fly fishing (22:16)
• Travel and continuous learning goals (23:51)