Gabe Hamel - From renting a $100 room in an attic to Financial Freedom—A Story of Relentless Drive and Time Freedom

Gabe Hamel didn’t follow the conventional path to success. In fact, his journey was anything but typical. Raised with an entrepreneurial spirit, Gabe knew from an early age that the traditional 9-to-5 grind wasn’t for him. “I was the kid selling candy bars out of my locker in middle school and condoms in high school,” Gabe recalls, laughing at his unconventional start. But behind that youthful hustle was a deeper hunger, a desire for something more than just a paycheck or a title.

“I Wanted Control Over My Life”

That drive eventually led Gabe to join the Army National Guard at just 17 years old, an experience that would prove to be formative, but not for the reasons you’d expect. It wasn’t discipline or a sense of duty that shaped Gabe’s future—it was his realization that life could slip away if you weren’t intentional. "During deployment, my goal was simple: come back alive, come back without being too messed up, and come back and build a real estate empire." It was during this time that Gabe discovered Rich Dad, Poor Dad, a book that fundamentally shifted his mindset. "It was the first time I ever read a book cover to cover," he says, and it gave him a mission: become financially free through real estate.

From the Attic to the Empire

When Gabe returned from deployment, he didn’t have much—just $100 to his name and a spot in a friend’s attic. But that didn’t stop him from dreaming big. "People thought I was crazy when I said I was going to build a real estate empire. I had no money, no job, and I was living in an attic. But I just knew I would make it happen."

In 2005, Gabe purchased his first property, and by 2009, through grit and creative financing, he replaced his modest income from odd jobs with cash flow from rental properties. “I was financially free, but I was still poor,” he laughs. “I replaced my minimum wage income, but it was only $1,500 a month. Still, I had achieved what I wanted: I had control over my time.” That’s where Gabe’s real journey began. Over the next few years, he honed in on seller financing—acquiring properties without needing the traditional qualifications of a bank loan. "Every single deal I’ve done has come from a conversation or relationship. I wasn’t afraid to tell people what I wanted and what I was looking for."

“Time Freedom is the Real Wealth”

Ask Gabe what motivates him, and it’s not the dollar signs or fancy cars—it’s time. “I didn’t get into real estate to swim in money. I did it because I wanted to own my time. On any given day, week, or year, I want the freedom to do what I want, when I want, with who I want.” For Gabe, that freedom means being there for his kids—whether it's taking them to school or cheering them on at their sporting events. "I've always wanted to build my business around my life, not the other way around," he says. This focus on time freedom is what shapes his business decisions and personal philosophy.

Gabe believes that time is the true measure of wealth. “Financial freedom isn’t about being rich; it’s about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time. Too many people get caught up chasing money and miss the bigger picture: time is what really matters.”

Finding His Tribe: Why Gobundance?

For Gabe, discovering Gobundance—a tribe of entrepreneurial men focused on living fully—was like finding a home. The group’s tagline, “Healthy, wealthy, generous men, choosing to live epic lives,” initially drew him in, but it was the authenticity and vulnerability of the men that made him stay. "I wanted to be around successful people who cared about more than just money. Gobundance is that. The first event I attended, I was surrounded by these successful guys, and instead of just boasting about their wins, they were sharing their struggles. That’s rare."

The relationships he’s built within Gobundance have become some of the most meaningful in his life. “Some of my closest friends are from this group. These are men who are playing at a high level in life—not just financially, but in their relationships, health, and personal growth. We lift each other up. We push each other to be better in all aspects of life.”

The Pillar of Relationships

While Gobundance focuses on six key pillars— Horizontal Wealth, Age-Defying Health, Genuine Contribution, Extreme Accountability, Bucket List Adventures, and Authentic Relationships—it’s the Authentic Relationships that resonate the most with Gabe. “I’ve seen guys in the group lose over 100 pounds and completely transform their health, but that wouldn’t have happened without the accountability and relationships that push them to keep going.” To Gabe, relationships are the foundation that supports all other pillars. “It’s through these deep connections that we help each other grow and achieve our goals—whether it’s in business, health, or personal life.”

What’s Next for Gabe and Gobundance

As a regional leader in Gobundance, Gabe is passionate about paying it forward. “Gobundance has had a huge impact on my life, and I want to be part of that impact for others,” he says. “As the tribe grows, it’s about maintaining that culture of lifting each other up. Every new member brings something valuable, and as leaders, it’s our job to ensure that the group remains a place where we can all grow—personally, professionally, and relationally.”

Advice for Entrepreneurs: “Clarity is Key”

For aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, Gabe has one piece of advice: get clear on what you truly want. “When you’re clear about your goals, it becomes easier to make decisions that get you closer to them,” he says. “Too often, people chase opportunities that don’t align with their real desires. They say they want more time with their families or the freedom to travel, but then they take on projects that move them further away from that. You have to check in with yourself constantly: is this decision taking me closer to or further from the life I want?”

Gabe Hamel is a man who’s figured it out—not just how to build wealth, but how to build a life. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about money; it’s about living on your own terms, prioritizing relationships, and most importantly, owning your time.