Exit Your 9-5 In 18 To 30 Months

Beyond the Hustle: Mastering Creative Real Estate and Reclaiming Your Legacy

January 20, 20263 min read

Many men today are chasing success but find themselves isolated, overworked, and unfulfilled. They are caught in the "Point A" reality: working long hours, feeling constantly behind, and struggling to stay present with their families.

In this episode of The Modern Man Podcast, I sit down with Chris Prefontaine, Chairman of Smart Real Estate Coach and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree, to discuss how creative real estate isn't just about wealth... It’s about the strategic resource of time.

The Power of Proximity and Grit

Chris Prefontaine’s journey wasn't always "wicked smart." During the 2008 crash, he found himself "100% in his head," struggling financially and mentally. His breakthrough came when he realized that association matters more than we think.

For the Modern Man, isolation is the enemy of progress. Chris emphasizes that flooding yourself with the right tribe—whether through a group like the Noble Knights or a dedicated mentor—is what allows you to weather the storms of life and business.

"Proximity matters... you have to just flood yourself with the right stuff." — Chris Prefontaine

The "Three Paydays" Framework: Systems Over Hacks

The Modern Man philosophy teaches that mastery of time leads to mastery of health, relationships, and wealth. Chris Prefontaine’s trademarked Three Paydays system is a tactical framework that replaces the "treadmill" of traditional flipping with integrated success:

  1. Payday #1: The upfront check (Money Now).

  2. Payday #2: Monthly cash flow (Money Monthly).

  3. Payday #3: Long-term principal paydown and markup (Wealth Legacy).

This isn't about "get rich quick" schemes or "hustle culture" at the expense of your health. It is a clear system designed for high-responsibility men who need to move from being reactive to being intentional.

Goals vs. Plans: The 18–30 Month Exit

Most men think they need more motivation; what they actually need is a clear system and boundaries. Chris notes that while many set New Year’s resolutions, few achieve them because they lack a tactical roadmap.

Through the Wicked Smart community, Chris helps men transition from their 9-to-5 jobs within 18 to 30 months by focusing on:

  • A Mile Deep, an Inch Wide: Stop chasing "shiny objects" and drill one well until you hit water.

  • The 3-to-7 Year Horizon: True mastery and legacy require discipline and long-term thinking.

Leading Your Family with Values

Masculinity is framed as responsibility, presence, and service. Chris operates his business alongside his family, maintaining harmony through a strict adherence to core values. When a decision needs to be made, the question isn't "who is right," but "does it fit our values?"

This is the hallmark of a Noble Knight: being emotionally grounded and faith-aligned while building a legacy worth inheriting.

[Check Out The full Conversation here]

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Master Your Time. Lead Your Life.

Are you ready to stop reacting to life and start leading it? If you are an ambitious professional or entrepreneur ready to reclaim 10–20 hours a week and lead with calm confidence, it’s time to join the ecosystem.

• Join the Brotherhood: Step into the [Noble Knights Men’s Group] for the accountability and mentorship you need to achieve your goals.

• Take the Audit: Use our [Time Audit Quiz] to build clarity on where your resources are going.

Ted Phaeton is a husband, father, Emmy Award–winning morning meteorologist, and the host of The Modern Man Podcast — a top 2% globally ranked show helping men unlock their potential. He is the founder of The Noble Knights community and the creator of the Tools of Time productivity system. Ted teaches high-performing men how to master their time, elevate their leadership, and build a life rooted in freedom, faith, and excellence.

Ted Phaeton

Ted Phaeton is a husband, father, Emmy Award–winning morning meteorologist, and the host of The Modern Man Podcast — a top 2% globally ranked show helping men unlock their potential. He is the founder of The Noble Knights community and the creator of the Tools of Time productivity system. Ted teaches high-performing men how to master their time, elevate their leadership, and build a life rooted in freedom, faith, and excellence.

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