Episode 49 — Finger Licking Real Estate with Castle Road ft. Justen & Chris

Sometimes the best lessons in business — and life — come from the most unexpected places.

In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Buying Power, we step out of the typical real estate box and take a flavorful detour into the world of entrepreneurship, passion projects, and community building with two incredible guests: Justen & Chris of Castle Road.

This episode isn’t just about barbecue — it's about how passion and perseverance turn hobbies into thriving businesses. It’s a reminder that value creation and brand building transcend industries. Whether you’re flipping houses or smoking brisket, the principles of success are the same.

Here’s what we unpacked in this unforgettable conversation:

From Passion to Purpose

Justen’s journey into smoking meats started as pure passion — a gifted smoker in hand and an enthusiasm for flavor that couldn’t be ignored. What began as backyard sessions and experimenting with spice rubs evolved into something bigger: a brand with identity, personality, and genuine community love.

Meanwhile, Chris’s path wasn’t straight from the food world either. A musician and aircraft mechanic by trade, he found himself drawn into the barbecue industry through curiosity, grit, and a willingness to adapt.

There’s a powerful real estate lesson here: you don’t need a traditional path to succeed — but you do need passion, authenticity, and consistency.

Castle Road: Building More Than Flavor

Castle Road isn’t just a food brand — it’s a culture.

Over the course of the episode, Justen and Chris break down:

• How they developed their signature spice rubs

• What it takes to build brand equity from the ground up

• The challenges of scaling a passion project into a business people trust and return to again and again

This idea of brand trust is just as crucial in real estate. Clients invest in you not just because you know the market — but because they trust your judgment, your integrity, and your consistency.

Just as loyal barbecue fans will travel for a good rack of ribs, clients will re-engage with agents they trust and respect.

Enter “Timber Yard” — A Physical Vision

One of the most exciting parts of this conversation was hearing about Timber Yard — an outdoor food court and entertainment space in Hinsdale that Justen & Chris are launching.

This is where strategy meets community impact.

Timber Yard isn’t simply a location — it’s a destination. It’s a place where people gather, build memories, and connect. In real estate, the physical space matters — and it’s the same in hospitality. Whether it’s a home, a restaurant, or a community hub, people invest in places that feel purposeful and inviting.

There’s a parallel here:

Homes sell. Communities inspire. Experiences create loyalty.

The Art — And Discipline — Behind the Craft

We dove into the techniques and discipline that go into great barbecue:

• Smoking methods

• Choosing the right wood and rub combinations

• Patience and consistency over time

• Learning from trial and error

This isn’t just about food — it’s about mastery. And mastery doesn’t come cheap or fast.

In real estate, mastery looks like:

• Deep market knowledge

• Clear communication

• Systems that support clients at every step

• The discipline to follow through when the process gets tough

In both worlds, hustle is necessary — but refinement and consistency win the long game.

What You Can Take Away From This Episode

Here are the key lessons from Episode 49 that apply to real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth:

🎯 1. Passion pays — but only if you turn it into purpose
Justen turned a hobby into a brand because he didn’t just enjoy it — he committed to mastering it.

🔧 2. Don’t underestimate the power of community
Castle Road’s success isn’t just flavor — it’s relationships. Customers aren’t just buying food — they’re buying experience.

📍 3. Physical spaces matter
Timber Yard is more than a venue — it’s a gathering place. That’s a real estate lesson in location, experience, and community value.

🛠 4. Systems + discipline = longevity
Whether it’s smoking meats or closing deals, repetition builds reliability.

📈 5. Brand trust is everything
People will follow brands and professionals they believe in.

Final Thoughts

Finger Licking Real Estate isn’t just a catchy title — it’s a metaphor for how businesses thrive when they mix passion with discipline. Whether you’re building a food brand or a real estate empire, the fundamentals remain the same: serve with authenticity, build community, and always deliver value worth returning for.

I’m grateful for the time Justen and Chris spent with us — and I guarantee this episode will leave you hungry… for insight and inspiration.

🎙 Listen to Episode 49: “Finger Licking Real Estate with Castle Road ft. Justen & Chris.”

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