Growing a real estate portfolio and building a team at the same time requires a specific kind of discipline — and Matt Buschman has figured it out. In this episode, Scott Dillingham talks with Matt about how he grew both in parallel and the leadership principles that made it work.
Forming Synergy in 2018 with PJ Lucente emphasized team strengths over individual names—now a 6-person powerhouse blending skills for client success. Matt stresses "kaizen" (continuous improvement), recognizing strengths/supplementing weaknesses, and defining your "why" beyond money. In 2025's Windsor market (CMHC forecasts stable growth with averages ~$600K amid suburban demand and BoC cuts to 2.25%), Matt's advice resonates for aspiring developers/realtors: "just do it" with education/risk assessment, build teams, and focus on long-term vision. Ideal for Canadians eyeing real estate amid 2025's easing rates and recovery signals—Matt's story motivates balancing passion, family, and calculated risks.
Guest Bio
Matt Buschman is a self-taught serial entrepreneur, cofounder of Synergy Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty, and president of KAIZEN Development Group Inc. in Windsor, Ontario. Starting with flips in his teens, he built a $12B portfolio with 900+ tenants, overcoming 2008 crashes through family support and pivots like gym ownership (Pure Fitness). Passionate about "kaizen" and team synergy, Matt leads a 6-person team blending skills for client success. Connect at synergyrealestategroup.net, on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/matthew-buschman-88167126, or call 519-999-9907 for Windsor real estate/development consultations.
Matt Buschman is a self-taught serial entrepreneur, cofounder of Synergy Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty, and president of KAIZEN Development Group Inc. in Windsor, Ontario. Starting with flips in his teens, he built a $12B portfolio with 900+ tenants, overcoming 2008 crashes through family support and pivots like gym ownership (Pure Fitness). Passionate about "kaizen" and team synergy, Matt leads a 6-person team blending skills for client success. Connect at synergyrealestategroup.net, on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/matthew-buschman-88167126, or call 519-999-9907 for Windsor real estate/development consultations.
Key Takeaways
- Grew up in Leamington with hardworking roots; sports/coop built discipline, leading to first flip at 18 despite challenges like structural issues.
- Gym management (Pure Fitness) honed people skills, but sold post-kids to prioritize family amid developments (900+ tenants, $12B portfolio).
- Overcame 2007-2009 crashes: Borrowed from parents to buy out partner, turning crises into growth via "kaizen" mindset.
- Entered sales in 2007 (Rookie of the Year at Valente); formed Synergy in 2018 with PJ Lucente, focusing on team strengths over egos.
- Advice: "Just do it" with education/risk assessment; recognize strengths, supplement weaknesses; define your "why" beyond money.
- 2025 Windsor outlook: Stable growth (averages ~$600K per CMHC), ideal for developments amid BoC cuts—build teams for success.
- Passion vs. success: Gym taught that love alone doesn't guarantee wins—pivot strategically.
- Future: Scaling Synergy, potentially stepping back from sales to mentor amid 2025's opportunities.
- (00:03) - Introduction to Matt Bushman
- (01:32) - Reflections on Early Life
- (04:46) - First Steps in Real Estate
- (07:19) - Building Bouchante Development
- (10:20) - Transitioning to Real Estate License
- (12:26) - Challenges in Development
- (13:36) - Forming Synergy Real Estate Group
- (15:26) - Growth and Team Expansion
- (16:52) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- (18:34) - Resources for Self-Discovery
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