Episode 227
How Kris Krohn Turned $3K into $1.6M: Real Estate, Freedom, and Building Wealth Without a 9-to-5
Most people feel trapped by the traditional path—go to college, get a job, grind until retirement—only to find themselves overworked, underpaid, and financially insecure. Kris Krohn lived that life. A broke college student working 18-hour days, he hit rock bottom when he came home to find his wife crying because they couldn’t afford food. That moment pushed him to reject the system and take control of his financial destiny through real estate investing.
In this powerful episode, Kris reveals how he went from $3,000 in savings to $1.6 million in real estate by the time he graduated. Now with over $2 billion in real estate transactions, Kris shares how anyone—even with no experience—can build passive wealth through smart investing. Learn how to break free from the 9-to-5, avoid retirement traps, and build a life of purpose, profit, and freedom.
Key Takeaways:
• From Slavery Day to Freedom Day: Kris shares how hitting rock bottom with his wife inspired his real estate journey—and led to financial independence by age 26.
• The 20-Home Strategy: Discover how Kris’s plan to earn $10K/month through real estate led to complete financial freedom—and how he helps others do the same.
• The ROI Mindset Shift: Forget interest rates—Kris explains why most people are financially illiterate and why ROI matters more than the media narrative.
• Real Estate Partnerships Made Simple: Kris outlines how his turnkey model allows people to invest using 401Ks, home equity, or IRAs—while he does all the work.
• Freedom ≠ Retirement: Learn why true wealth is not just financial, but emotional, spiritual, and aligned with your values—and how Kris is starting a “minimalist millionaire” movement.
About the Guest:
Kris Krohn’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in real estate investing is both inspiring and instructive. Growing up with limited resources, Kris discovered early on that financial independence wasn’t just a dream—it was a goal to be achieved through smart, persistent action. Over the years, he transformed his life by mastering real estate investment strategies, turning setbacks into valuable lessons, and ultimately building a multi-million-dollar portfolio that has allowed him to live on his own terms. Kris’s story is a powerful blend of grit, innovative thinking, and a passion for empowering others. He’s not only achieved personal financial freedom but has dedicated himself to helping others do the same through his engaging podcasts, seminars, and investment platforms.
His ability to simplify complex investment concepts and translate them into actionable advice makes him an ideal guest for any podcast focused on entrepreneurship, personal development, or wealth building.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-krohn-569479174/
https://www.youtube.com/@KrisKrohn
https://www.instagram.com/kriskrohn
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Use his knowledge and network to structure deals where others bring the capital—because reputation, not money, is the most valuable asset.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Acquiring a business for the wrong reason—he got the one asset he wanted but lost $3.2 million in the process.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Time Machine by Kris Krohn and Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Calendar and Phone”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having both time and money—but choosing to live with balance, purpose, and minimalism, not excess. True wealth is doing what you love, when you want, with who you love.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.
