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Beyond the Brochure: The Newport Bootcamp Recap

Saul Zenkevicius smiling in a dark tweed blazer

By Saul ZenkeviciusCRE Investor

Bootcamp attendees talking on a boat deck in a marina

When we first announced our Newport Beach Bootcamp, we made a bold promise: to elevate the experience by hosting it in a venue that was a case study in itself.

We wanted to see what would happen when we put 30 vetted investors in a $20 million oceanfront home—not for luxury, but to change their mindset.

The goal was to create an environment where collaboration wasn't just encouraged, but inevitable. We focused on delivering overwhelming value and getting the right people in the room.

So, how did it go? The results were even better than we imagined.

The Venue Catalyst

Instead of a generic conference room, the bootcamp unfolded in a modern masterpiece with breathtaking ocean views. This setting was intentionally chosen to be inspirational. It immediately broke down the corporate feel and created an atmosphere of energy and possibility.

DSC00084

The environment worked. It sparked a level of open, no-friction collaboration from the moment people walked in. The house itself, a stunning transformation of a 1950s gem, set the tone for the entire weekend: see the potential, then execute the vision.

Photo Gallery

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the bootcamp.

Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (1).
Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (2).
Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (3).
Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (4).

Organic Collaboration

We came in with a packed agenda, but the real magic happened in the moments that weren't planned. The scheduled sessions on acquisitions, development, and leasing sparked so much conversation that the agenda naturally evolved.

We found that collaboration was constantly overflowing into breaks, lunches, and networking hours. The energy in the room was driven by the group itself, with people sharing deals, solving problems, and asking insightful questions. It proved that when you bring the right operators together, the value created is far greater than any single presentation.

Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (5).

Tangible Results

The true measure of any event is what happens after everyone goes home. We wanted our attendees to leave with more than just notes; we wanted them to leave with the clarity and tools to take immediate action.

The feedback we received confirmed that we hit the mark. The testimonials started pouring in before the weekend was even over.

"This was way beyond what I expected, incredible content and an excellent venue. Now it's time to take action and start making offers! Appreciate you all again." - Tim C., CA Investor

This wasn't just about feeling good. Attendees started putting the playbook into action right away.

"I just got off the phone with a couple brokers using the 'bonus commission' tactic telling them we could make them a sweetheart deal if they can bring us some off market product. They were very excited about that. I love this little nugget we got from you guys." - Bill S., DCICOmercial.com

Moments like these are why we do this. We saw the "lightbulbs go off" as people realized that their ambitious goals were not only possible but completely doable.

Photo from the Newport Industrial IQ bootcamp hosted by Saul Zenkevicius (6).

Conclusion

Our experiment was a success. The combination of an inspiring venue, a curated group of high-caliber operators, and a playbook of actionable strategies created a truly transformative experience. We proved that the right environment doesn't just host an event—it fuels it.

This bootcamp is more than a business for us; it’s a passion project. Our mission is to build a community where operators can be radically transparent, learn from each other's real-world experiences, and have fun while building their portfolios. The energy and results from Newport Beach have us more excited than ever to continue.

The bootcamp is part of our mission to empower small bay operators. Learn more about Industrial IQ, the platform we are building.

We are already planning our next event for the spring. To be the first to know when applications are made, visit our website.

Saul Zenkevicius smiling in a dark tweed blazer

Saul Zenkevicius

CRE Investor

Chicago-based commercial real estate investor and founder of Z Equity Group with a 9-digit portfolio across 200+ principal transactions and 20+ years in real estate. Specializes in small bay industrial and distressed commercial real estate.

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