From law offices to barbell racks, short-term rentals to speakeasy renovations, Colin LaReaux is a man who wears a lot of hats—and somehow keeps them all balanced. In this episode, we sit down with Colin to talk about everything from his roots in Utica and his real estate empire to his gym FIT Training, nonprofit work through 315K for the Cure, and the bold vision he has for the community’s future. Oh, and did we mention he turned an old auditorium into 1920s-themed Airbnbs across from the brewery?
Colin brings a fresh, optimistic take on what's possible in Central New York. Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or just someone looking to get inspired to start something in your own hometown, this episode is full of nuggets. We talk setbacks, side hustles, why winters aren't so bad if you ski & how purpose and community make the whole grind worth it.
🎧 Tap in for:
• The real story behind turning a historic Varick Street building into a roaring '20s-themed Airbnb
• Why group fitness works—and why some people just come to the gym to pet the dog
• What every beginner should know before jumping into real estate investing
• The inspiring origin of 315K for the Cure, a nonprofit rooted in personal experience
• How optimism and action are transforming Utica, one project at a time
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show & Colin Intro
(1:00) - What Brought Colin Back to Utica?
(3:30) - Utica Just Because
(4:15) - Getting Into Real Estate
(8:30) - Managing Airbnbs
(10:15) - Best Advice Starting Off
(13:15) - Different Mindsets
(14:50) - The Speaks at Faxton Hall
(20:45) - Future Plans For Events
(23:00) - FI Training
(25:45) - Surviving Cancer
(26:45) - 315k For the Cure Origins
(30:30) - Learning From Adversity & Perspective
(33:00) - Common Thread For Colin
(35:20) - Looking to the Future
(39:00) - Rapid Fire Questions
