EP 14 – Brick by Brick: Jude Bernard’s Mindset for Building his Brooklyn Real Estate Empire.

“ Why would you value money more than time, when there’s an unlimited supply of money, but there’s a very limited amount of time?”
Jude
“ You’re not a millionaire based on how much money you have in your account. You are a millionaire based on the lifestyle that you live.”
Jude
This week, Mary welcomes Jude Bernard, the founder of The Brooklyn Bank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underserved individuals of color with the tools and education needed to achieve financial independence and close the wealth gap. A real estate broker, investor, and general contractor, Jude is a first-generation American of Haitian descent who turned an over-leveraged real estate venture into a portfolio worth tens of millions. In this conversation, he reflects on his early struggles during the 2008 financial crisis, his pivot to commercial real estate, and how he managed to salvage his portfolio without losing a single property.
Jude emphasizes the importance of discipline, continuous learning, and maintaining a “never again” mentality. He and Mary also explore his strategies for managing risk, the value of insurability, and the power of taking full accountability for your actions. Lastly, he shares his approach to exit strategies—ensuring multiple options to protect and transfer equity—and the mindset necessary for long-term success in real estate.
Topics Include:
- The Power of Discipline and Mindset
- Navigating the Challenges of Scaling Up
- The Sacrifices Required for Success
- Risk Management in Real Estate
- Exit Strategies and Long-Term Planning
Let’s Get Social: