Here is the recording from today’s welcome and introductory call for May 2026

Today at 1:00 p.m. Central, we’re hosting Private Lending 101: The Core. This is a foundational session on what private lending actually is, how hard money has changed over time, and how real asset-based lenders look at risk. If you want to structure better deals and better understand what gets a deal approved or declined, join us live. Calendar link: https://www.skool.com/the-circle/calendar

The calls are officially live and on the calendar. Here’s how we’re running this: • 1st Tuesday – Welcome + Orientation • 2nd Tuesday – DEAL Desk Lite • 3rd Tuesday – LEAD Live • 4th Tuesday – HELP Office Hours All calls are at 12 PM Central. Each one serves a purpose—either solving a problem, moving a deal forward, or sharpening how you operate. Show up where you need it most. If you have questions on how this all works, go rewatch the kickoff call. That lays out the full vision, structure, and expectations. Now it’s time to engage, contribute, and get to work.

We kicked things off today and set the tone for what this community is: Not networking. Not content. A working room for serious operators. Everything we do will fall into three pillars: HELP — Hold accountable, Encourage, Lift up, Practice patience DEAL — Discover, Evaluate, Act, Leverage LEAD — Learn, Execute, Accept accountability, Develop others Every interaction should:• solve a problem• move a deal• sharpen a leader Next Steps (7 Days): - Post your intro - Submit a HELP, DEAL, or LEAD item - Engage in the group - RSVP for the next call Simple standard: show up and contribute. This room will be what we make it.

Observer → Member → Certified The Circle is designed as a path, not a product. Not everyone here is at the same stage—and that’s intentional. What matters is that you’re honest about where you are and willing to do the work at that level. Here’s how progression works. Observer Learning the Language Observers are here to understand how private lending actually works. This stage is about: - Seeing how lenders think - Understanding deal structure from the capital side - Learning why deals get approved—or stalled - Replacing guesswork with clarity Observers are not expected to have deals in hand. They are expected to pay attention, ask thoughtful questions, and start thinking like operators instead of spectators. This is where many people realize: “I’ve been playing the game without understanding the rules.” That’s the point. Member Applying the Framework Members are actively engaging. They may be: - Working on live deals - Originating opportunities - Structuring files - Pressure‑testing assumptions - Participating in deal discussions At this level, the focus shifts from learning concepts to making decisions. Members: - Share real scenarios - Ask better questions - Begin operating with discipline - Start earning trust inside the network This is where the community becomes leverage—because you’re no longer consuming, you’re contributing. Certified Operating as a Lender‑Aligned Professional Certification is not automatic. It is earned. Certified members have demonstrated: - Sound judgment - Consistent engagement - Ethical operation - Readiness to originate deals at a professional standard This stage represents a shift in responsibility. Certified members are expected to: - Uphold the credibility of the network - Operate in alignment with lender standards - Bring properly structured opportunities forward - Treat capital, partners, and borrowers with respect Certification is not about status. It’s about trust.