Journal Entry for 3/23/2026
Hi Carol Williams - Thank you for the book, "Living Louder," by Portia Louder. This book written by Portia about herself having to do time in Prison for what she did in real estate was sad, gripping, and filled with heart and soul.
When I got to the Chapter on "The Big Short," when she met Chet & Adam and learned about their friend who would lend money for a house at a high interest rate, and it was called "Hard money loan," I nearly choked.
When I first got started in the business, two different lenders approached me and were sniffing me out like a dog in heat. They were both fast-talkers and I didn't know anything about hard-money loans. I am glad I had the courage to say no. After reading Portia's story, I count my blessings that I didn't get involved with hard lenders.
It was Portia's faith, belief in herself, her family, new friends in prison, and determination to pay the consequences without blaming others, that enabled her to do her time in order to be set free. The only thing Portia had in common with the people associated with hard lenders, and the people she met in prison, was you have to build relationships and understand that neither one comes easily without risk and vulnerability.
"In the end, it is impossible to have a great
life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is
very difficult to have a meaningful life without
meaningful work. Perhaps, then, you might
gain that great tranquility that comes from
knowing that you've had a hand in creating
something of intrinsic excellence that makes
a contribution. Indeed, you might even gain that
the deepest of all satisfactions: knowing that
your short time on this earth has been spent,
and that it mattered."
~Jim Collins
P.S. Carol Williams - I found a YouTube video of an interview with Portia Louder. Search YouTube: Convicted felon Portia Louder answers your questions about her crimes, time in prison and more
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