On episode 88 of The Real Deal: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life Janine Igliane and Ryan Hatcher sit down with Blake Elkin who is the founder of State 48 Water and someone whose story is anything but ordinary.
Blake shares how he left high school early faced big obstacles and yet did not let them define him. He joined the Air National Guard found love in Scottsdale and built a business based on solving real home water issues like water softening whole-house filtration reverse osmosis systems and salt delivery.
Lessons from Blake’s Journey
One of the strongest threads in this conversation is Blake’s resilience. Quitting high school was not the end but the beginning of a different path built on discipline learning hard lessons and refusing to give up.
Another theme is integrity. Blake emphasizes that business is more than profit. It’s family values community service and doing right by customers.
Blake also talks about mindset shifts. Thinking long term keeping faith in yourself and recognizing that even small actions matter.
Why This Episode Matters
If you are someone who has ever felt held back by where you started this episode will hit home. It shows that success is rarely a straight line. It shows what happens when someone leans into hope grit and consistency.
It also offers practical insight. Running a water treatment business demands technical knowledge regulation compliance and customer service all at once. Blake’s balance of business with family shows that a full life is possible even while grinding in entrepreneurship.
Final Thoughts
Blake Elkin’s story is a reminder that your beginning does not have to be your end. The path forward might be surprising imperfect or complex but it can also be powerful meaningful and impact many people.
If you want inspiration real talk or a push to believe in yourself this episode is for you. Check out The Real Deal AZ #88 High School Drop Out To Veteran Entrepreneur wherever you stream podcasts.
