Guest

Jose Berlanga

Jose Berlanga

From Coffee Bars to Construction: Jose Berlanga’s 4X Success

Jose Berlanga reveals how he built four multimillion-dollar businesses and what it takes to persevere through challenges and scale in multiple industries.

Jose's Bio

Jose Miguel Berlanga is a celebrated serial entrepreneur who has achieved multimillionaire success in four distinct industries, including petrochemical machinery, coffee bars, residential construction, and land development. With 35+ years of experience and a rich educational background in Business, Economics, and Philosophy, Jose brings a unique depth to every venture. He co-founded Tricon Homes, one of Houston’s most respected construction companies, and now serves as CEO of a development firm focused on revitalizing inner-city Houston. Jose’s journey is one of resilience, hands-on leadership, and passionate entrepreneurship. He’s trained and led hundreds of employees and negotiated thousands of deals. His story is a powerful reminder that determination, vision, and adaptability can pave the way to extraordinary success. Jose is also the author of The Business of Home Building and is currently writing his second book to inspire future entrepreneurs.

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About this episode

Have you ever faced a turning point in business and wondered if you had what it takes to rebuild and thrive again?

In this empowering episode of Talking with the Experts, Jose Berlanga shares his extraordinary journey from Mexico City to Houston’s competitive real estate market—where he became a four-time multimillionaire across completely different industries.

Jose’s story is not one of overnight success. It’s one of persistence, adaptability, and unshakable determination. From building petrochemical import businesses to opening Italian coffee bars, to transforming urban neighbourhoods through residential construction and land development—Jose has done it all.

In his conversation with Rose Davidson, he reveals the core lessons he’s learned over 35+ years: how to bounce back from failure, how to scale teams with trust, and why staying involved in every facet of your business matters.

This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs ready to think big, stay resilient, and grow with intention.

You’ll walk away inspired to take bold steps, backed by practical wisdom from someone who’s lived every stage of the entrepreneurial rollercoaster.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to build a business—and life—that reflects your deepest drive and values.

📌 Three Key Takeaways:

  1. How to build resilience through reinvention and adaptability in business
  2. The value of hands-on leadership across every level of your company
  3. Strategies to create sustainable, scalable business models across industries

Outline

Introduction to Jose Berlanga

  • Rose Davidson introduces Jose Berlanga as an entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, notably through co-founding Tricon Homes.
  • Jose Berlanga has a diverse background, including degrees in business administration, economics, and philosophy.
  • Jose Berlanga is the author of ‘The Business of Homebuilding’ and is working on a second book.

Jose Berlanga’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey

  • Jose Berlanga has been an entrepreneur and business owner for almost 40 years.
  • Jose Berlanga had a difficult childhood with many setbacks, including hospitalization due to accidents.
  • Jose Berlanga emphasizes the importance of learning and education during early years.
  • Jose Berlanga always wanted to be their own boss and run their own business.

Challenges of Entrepreneurship

  • Entrepreneurship involves long days, hard work, and constant problem-solving.
  • It is important to set realistic expectations and understand that nothing is easy in life, especially starting and building a business.
  • Successful entrepreneurs put their entire heart, soul, time, energy, and conviction into building something that matters.

Planning and Execution in Business

  • There is a lot of planning involved in starting a business.
  • Entrepreneurs should avoid jumping into business ideas without proper planning and research.
  • Creating a business plan helps answer questions about the why, how, who, what, and mission of the business.
  • Taking small steps and not making great leaps is crucial to avoid missing important details.

Dealing with Failure and Building Confidence

  • Entrepreneurs often face failures and may experience imposter syndrome and self-doubt.
  • Turning failure into confidence involves learning, adapting, and thriving after setbacks.
  • Using anxiety and stress as a drive to solve problems can turn worries into action and build a confident personality.
  • Every attempt and hour devoted to business progress contributes to eventual success, even during periods of perceived stagnation.

Conviction and Self-Belief in Entrepreneurship

  • Conviction in oneself and the business idea is crucial for success.
  • Self-belief and the ability to fuel oneself with energy are essential, as no one else can provide the necessary ambition and strength.
  • Mind over matter is a powerful concept; if one convinces their mind that they can do it, they are likely to make things happen.
  • Trying new things and not fearing failure is important, as there is less regret in failing than in not trying at all.

Time and Sacrifice in Entrepreneurship

  • Turning an idea into a successful company typically takes a minimum of 10 years.
  • Not everyone is willing to invest the necessary time and sacrifice required for entrepreneurial success.
  • Entrepreneurship involves bringing work and responsibilities with you all day, every day, which may not be suitable for everyone.
  • The choice between a more pressured, intense lifestyle with potential success and a simpler, more relaxed life is a personal one.

The Business of Home Building

  • ‘The Business of Home Building’ is Jose Berlanga’s first book, with more books planned on business, entrepreneurship, and adversity.
  • The book discusses the construction and home building industry, focusing on planning, starting, and building a successful business.
  • It provides tools and ingredients necessary for business growth and differentiation.
  • The book is available on Amazon and other platforms that sell and distribute books.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

  • Jose Berlanga encourages anyone with the curiosity and itch to own a business to pursue it, save money, and figure out how to do it.
  • The experience of entrepreneurship is worth it and cannot be explained until lived.
  • Staying curious and trying new things is important, as one would never know the outcome without attempting.

Keypoints

  • Jose Berlanga shares his journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, resilience, and realistic expectations in the face of challenges.
  • Jose Berlanga advises that entrepreneurs should be aware of the difficulties and long hours involved in starting and maintaining a business, and to prepare mentally for the challenges ahead.
  • Rose Davidson discusses the pitfalls of not planning and executing business ideas properly, highlighting the importance of detailed planning and understanding the industry before starting a business.
  • Jose Berlanga stresses the importance of creating a business plan, understanding the industry, and having a clear mission and differentiation strategy when starting a business.
  • Jose Berlanga discusses how entrepreneurs can turn anxiety and stress into a drive for problem-solving and confidence, leading to progress and success in business.
  • Jose Berlanga emphasizes the importance of conviction and self-belief in achieving success in entrepreneurship, despite the challenges and setbacks.
  • Jose Berlanga advises entrepreneurs to try new things and not be afraid of failure, as the regret of not trying is worse than the regret of failing.
  • Jose Berlanga discusses the long-term commitment and sacrifices required for entrepreneurial success, and the choice between a pressured, intense lifestyle versus a more relaxed, stable life.
  • Jose Berlanga introduces his book ‘The Business of Homebuilding’, which provides insights into planning, starting, and building a successful business in the home building industry.
  • Jose Berlanga encourages anyone with a curiosity about owning a business to pursue it, save money, and gradually figure out how to make it happen.
Talking with the Experts
Talking with the Experts is a dynamic podcast hosted by Rose Davidson, launched in July 2020. With over 570 engaging episodes, the show explores a diverse range of topics featuring industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders. Ranked in the top 5% globally, it has garnered acclaim in Australia and New Zealand, consistently landing in the top charts. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and empower listeners by providing invaluable insights and expert advice. Join Rose as she delves into conversations that spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Tune in to discover, learn, and grow with Talking with the Experts.

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