About - Real Estate Investing Consultant, Mentor and Coach
Jeff Filali (Fa-LAH-lee) “Mr Tulsa” is an American entrepreneur with roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His entrepreneurial journey began in his early years, shaped by the financial hardships faced by his family and their resilient response to these challenges. Raised by his single mother in Section 8 housing projects, Filali watched as his mother juggled part-time college education with two jobs, striving to improve their life.
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At the age of 11, his life changed significantly when his mother, with the financial support of his grandfather, built a home on a vacant lot she received from him. This marked Filali's first exposure to real estate, a field that would later play a crucial role in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Filali's entrepreneurial spirit came to the fore at the tender age of 12, when he started a lawn mowing business to earn extra money. Profits from this endeavor were invested in sports cards and memorabilia, which he would then resell at a profit. His father, an absentee figure in his life, owned rental properties and restaurants in Tulsa, Okla. His grandfather was a seasoned real estate developer. Their influence introduced Filali to the concept of "sweat equity."
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After graduating from high school, Filali went into the restaurant business and purchase his first rental property in 1997. A few years later, he ventured into the direct sales business, which he cites as an invaluable learning experience in the art of communication and negotiations.
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The impact of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 slowed the direct sales business, prompting Filali to start a marketing company. His enterprise expanded rapidly and merged with a similar business, with ambitious plans to establish a nationwide presence. Unfortunately, this growth proved unsustainable, and by 2004, Filali found himself at rock bottom, broke, jobless, and homeless.
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In the aftermath of this setback, Filali moved in with family and took up low-paying jobs due to a weak job market. His fortunes began to turn around when he adopted a unique "house hacking" approach, involving a part-time job coaching college athletics while also serving as a "dorm parent" with free accommodation and meals. This arrangement allowed Filali to reduce his living costs significantly and gave him the freedom to start side businesses, eventually leading to successful business ventures.
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By 2016, Filali's diverse business ventures had taken off, leading to the formation of RBI Enterprises LLC, a holding company overseeing all of his business activities. Filali's business acumen continued to shine through as he invested in more real estate and private equity opportunities.
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In 2018, following the death of his father, Filali transitioned to a passive investing role, allowing him more time to spend with family. The same year, he founded REIQA, an organization dedicated to educating people about real estate investing. To date, the group has helped over 27,000 members worldwide.
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In May 2021, Filali suffered a setback when he developed serious heart complications as a result of the COVID mRNA vaccine. Despite his health challenges, he remains optimistic, guided by his faith and the support of his doctors.
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As of the present day, Filali lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, managing his health conditions and overseeing his investment portfolio, which includes rental properties, real estate notes, and private equity in several businesses. He is committed to paying it forward by helping young people secure college scholarships, acquire trade skills, and embark on entrepreneurial endeavors. Through teaching others about business, investing, and finance, Filali continues to make a significant impact on the lives of others.
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