Welcome to Business Story of the Week—where we dive into the inspiring tales of entrepreneurs who’ve faced setbacks, turned them into comebacks, and discovered the magic that transforms dreams into reality. I’m your host, Joshua Lori, and today we are thrilled to introduce Adrian Smude, also known as “The Smoo Operator,” a real estate investor with a unique focus—mobile homes.

From an unexpected eviction to becoming a savvy housing provider, Adrian’s journey shows how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary results. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in! ☕️

The Humble Beginnings: A Fearful Adrian

Adrian didn’t always know he’d become a real estate mogul. In fact, he was terrified of public speaking! “I passed my public speaking class in college without speaking at all,” Adrian admitted with a chuckle. Back then, he had a negative perception of mobile homes, much like many of us do. But little did he know, this would become his ticket to success. 🚪🔑

The journey started when Adrian and his friends faced eviction. Instead of succumbing to defeat, Adrian made a bold move—he bought a house. His solution to never being evicted again? Renting out rooms to his friends, which is known today as house hacking. At just 20 years old, Adrian was living for free while his friends paid his mortgage. How cool is that? 🏠🎉

From Short Sale to Mindset Shift

The next pivotal moment came when Adrian, following poor advice, bought a second house at the peak of the market. It didn’t work out as planned. Adrian found himself in the middle of a real estate short sale. This failure, though painful, taught him invaluable lessons about conservative investing. He became more cautious, analyzing numbers carefully—a trait that would later shape his career.

“I was so scared of failing and telling people I failed,” Adrian reflected. But the truth is, failure is a part of every success story. This experience eventually led him to the world of mobile homes, where he found not just financial success but a way to serve a population that’s often overlooked.

Why Mobile Homes? 🏘️

You might wonder—why mobile homes? Adrian’s journey into this niche market wasn’t driven by glamour or Instagram appeal. It was about finding a sustainable business that aligned with his values and filled a need. Mobile homes, he realized, could offer affordable housing to blue-collar workers, handy people, and others who take pride in their homes. Yet, they’re often subject to harsh stereotypes.

“We all laugh at the Netflix specials and country music songs that joke about trailer parks, but the truth is far from that,” Adrian shared. He emphasized that many of the mobile homes he invests in are well-built and located in desirable areas. It’s the stigma that needs to change, not the homes themselves.

Advice for New Investors 💡

Adrian’s advice to aspiring real estate investors is simple yet profound: find something you like and stick with it. In the world of real estate, shiny object syndrome is real. But success comes to those who are willing to commit. He also suggests taking “massive imperfect action”—don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start. Fail fast, learn, and grow.

For those considering mobile home investing, Adrian insists now is the best time. With the current affordable housing crisis, mobile homes are an underappreciated solution.

Breaking Down the Myths

One of the biggest myths about mobile homes is that they require excessive upkeep. But Adrian debunks this: “If you maintain your mobile homes properly, they can be just as durable and livable as any traditional house.” He highlights the evolution of mobile home construction, especially after 1976, when federal regulations improved the building quality.

Conclusion: Building a Business Around Your Lifestyle

For Adrian, it’s not just about the money. His philosophy is to build a business that serves your lifestyle, not the other way around. “I love talking about business, but I also love living my life. The goal is to find that balance,” he said passionately.

You can connect with Adrian on social media, visit his website LifestyleREI.com, or shoot him an email if you want to learn more about investing in mobile homes or mindset shifts in business. He’s even offering a free PDF that breaks down some of the most common myths about mobile homes!

This is more than just a story of financial success; it’s a lesson in resilience, creativity, and following a path that aligns with your values. 🌟