#317: Scaling Success: From Restaurants to Real Estate with Mike Brumagin, USMA ‘89

Service Academy Business Mastermind

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Mike Brumagin is a U.S. Army veteran, West Point graduate, and co-founder of Battle Monument Group, a private real estate investment firm specializing in single-tenant net lease properties. After earning the Bronze Star for his leadership during Operation Desert Storm, Mike spent over a decade building and managing national restaurant franchises before shifting his focus to real estate.

At Battle Monument Group, he has led the acquisition of more than 100 properties across 20 states, primarily focused on mission-critical retail tenants like Dollar General. Through eight successful fundraises—entirely through relationships with veterans, advisors, and private investors—Mike has built a model centered on trust, long-term value, and predictable cash flow.

His approach reflects a disciplined commitment to stable, income-producing assets in underserved markets, with a long-term vision to scale the portfolio beyond 500 properties. Mike and his team are positioning BMG for a strategic REIT exit while continuing to support investors who value transparency, alignment, and operational excellence.

In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with Mike about:

• From Army to Arby’s: Mike’s path from West Point and Desert Storm to leading major restaurant franchises.
• Real Estate Pivot: Co-founded Battle Monument Group, focusing on single-tenant net lease properties like Dollar General.
• Predictable Profits: Built a niche strategy around stable, high-yield corporate leases in rural America.
• Investor-Led Growth: Raised eight funds through trusted relationships with veterans and advisors—no institutional capital.
• Scaling for Exit: Targeting 500+ properties to position BMG for REIT acquisition or strategic sale.

Timestamps:

• 01:03 Mike's Background and Career Journey
• 02:38 Transition to Real Estate: Battle Monument Group
• 03:18 Franchise Ventures and Personal Anecdotes
• 04:25 Battle Monument Group's Strategy and Growth
• 08:16 Fundraising and Investor Relations
• 12:35 Wealth Advisory Groups and Investment Strategies
• 24:30 Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) Explained

Connect with Mike:

• LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Battle Monument Group

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A special thank you to Mike for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01