NOTG - Nuggets on the Go by PropertyLimBrothers

110# From One Café to 7 Brands in 12 Years - The Atlas Group of Cafés Story

At just 22, Daphne Goh dove into the café world with a marketing degree, a $200K startup fund, and a passion for coffee—launching her first café, Assembly. That’s where she met Shirlynn Eng, a linguistics graduate who, despite receiving a full-time offer as editor, continued working part-time in the kitchen for a year. When Daphne was ready to open her second café, Atlas, she knew exactly who to call—and invited Shirlynn to join her as a partner.
 
In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim chats with Co-Founders Daphne and Shirlynn. They look back to their unconventional journey—how they grew from The Atlas Group of Cafés from one café to a collection of six uniquely crafted brands. They share what it was like building something from scratch, the tough calls, the self-doubts, and the importance of finding the right people and holding on to trust. They also reveal the behind-the-scenes realities most people don’t see in the F&B world—like managing peers of the same age, and realising that leadership means aligning expectations and standing firm—even with friends.
 
If you’re thinking of starting your own venture or leading a team, there’s a wealth of wisdom waiting for you in this episode!
 
00:00 Introduction00:57 Ownership of The Atlas Group of Cafés01:08 How they became partners01:57 Expansion of the first café02:36 After graduation to coffee04:31 Taking risks06:34 Challenges in owning a business in a young age08:13 Investment of the first business09:09 Biggest expense10:40 Advice on starting a café14:25 Applied for a part-time service crew, but straight to the kitchen18:11 Transition from a part-timer to a partner20:07 Opening shops in different districts23:43 Challenges of opening a new shop every year26:46 New factory28:08 Seeing all the founders everyday30:00 Easy to burnout with partners / Celebrating 12 years anniversary35:34 Number of crew members36:00 Biggest challenge to managing a team41:57 Growing leaders44:55 Hiring external managers48:57 Biggest cost of running a café51:45 Precious customers52:25 Future plans of Atlas54:38 Rising rental rates55:48 People not believing in you / Curse Unit57:58 Starting all over again01:00:25 What professional skill currently working on?01:02:29 What is holding you back for being your best self?01:03:28 Outtakes

109# Condo Buying Strategies And Harsh Truths for High-Income Singles

Many high-income singles in their 30s are rushing to buy condos for status and wealth preservation—but is it the right move, or just a costly mistake? In this follow-up episode of NOTG, George Peng, Phyllis Goh, and Yong Zhun from PropertyLimBrothers dive into the key considerations for self-employed professionals looking to enter the property market.
 
They discuss if new launches often are the better investment engine, talk about how to assess financial sustainability when taking on a mortgage, and share the pitfalls of herd mentality in property buying. The conversation also covers whether ‘rentvesting’ can accelerate wealth-building, why the speed of exit is crucial, and what ABSD projections mean for investors. Beyond individual strategies, they also provide insights into HDB and non-landed property price trends in relation to GDP, as well as the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme and its influence on future housing supply.
 
For more expert perspectives on investment strategies and market trends, this episode equips self-employed professionals with the knowledge to make informed property decisions.
 
00:00 - Intro00:39 - PERSONA B MAVERICK03:43 - Phyllis’ thoughts about Maverick04:12 - Phyllis’ real life client like Maverick07:06 - George’s advice that are looking for investment13:21 - Yong Zhun’s thoughts about Maverick13:55 - Have you heard of F.I.R.E acronym?14:19 - Retreat and rest18:22 - Phyllis’ consulting something with Melvin23:48 - George’s thoughts about what Phyllis’ consult on Melvin24:25 - Assuming Maverick is working on a bank25:19 - George tells a story about a certain client26:58 - George advice about first timer buyers27:51 - George second client encounter28:10 - Speed of exit28:31 - Going back to Maverick30:40 - One of strategy Maverick can adopt33:13 - Straits Times article34:18 - Yong Zhun’s thoughts about the article35:00 - Cooling measures34:43 - A few things to look at38:13 - Private residential price index41:10 - Interesting Q141:18 - Supply and demand list42:32 - HDB & Private Non-Landed Property Price Index43:30 - Closing messages46:29 - Other personas47:32 - Outtakes

#108 Buying The First Home: Affordability, Fears, & Factors Impacting Your Timeline

Wayne and Joanne, both 27 years old and earning $4,000 each, are ready to take the next big step—buying their first home. But with skyrocketing property prices and so many options, they’re unsure where to start. Should they go for a BTO, resale HDB, or a resale condo? What if they make the wrong decision?
 
In this episode of NOTG, George Peng, Phyllis Goh, and Yong Zhun from PropertyLimBrothers break down exactly what young couples need to consider before making their first property purchase. Understand how to prioritise capital gain and long-term planning, avoid common mistakes, and assess the pros and cons of different housing options. Learn why Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) matter, and find out how an investment portfolio comprising stocks and crypto could influence property selection.
 
If you fit the persona, are struggling with uncertainty and want clear, practical advice on buying your first home, this is the episode you don’t want to miss!
 
00:00 - Intro00:48 - Introducing host1:06 - Phyllis Goh02:27 - Persona A Wayne and Joanne03:53 - George’s first pay05:14 - Phyllis’ studies05:58 - Big gap and prices06:17 - Personal Disposable Income/Savings chart06:57 - George’s thoughts about Wayne and Joanne07:13 - Phyllis’ advice09:18 - Yong Zhun’s thoughts about Wayne and Joanne10:06 - Three choices on Wayne and Joanne’s situation12:02 - Main 2 choices suggested by Yong Zhun (Resale HDB)13:29 - Main 2 choices suggested by Yong Zhun (Resale Condo)17:42 - What is a good and bad property purchase?18:41 - Pros and Cons of resale HDB and Condo22:41 - Timeline of Wayne and Joanne24:13 - When to take BTO Route25:12 - When divorce happen25:43 - 99 years ownership on condo during divorce31:41 - CCR, RCR, OCR35:15 - George advice to Wayne and Joanne situation35:22 - If George is in Wayne and Joanne’s situation36:24 - George opinion on insurance37:24 - Kids needs38:22 - George go BTO if he is on similar situation39:07 - What would Yong Zhun do?40:09 - When George take the BTO he would do it intentionally. Why?40:26 - George remembering something about BTO41:47 - Continuing on when George take the BTO route why would he do it intentionally.43:06 - Parting message for Wayne and Joanne43:56 - 9 years after on Wayne and Joanne situation47:06 - 9 years later breakdown51:53 - Part 2 teaser52:13 - Outtakes

#107 Quit His Job, Built a Media Powerhouse! The GRVTY Media Story with Johnathan Chua

Every experience is a dot waiting to be connected. The more you explore—through the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the risks you take—the clearer the bigger picture becomes. For Johnathan Chua, CEO and co-founder of GRVTY Media, these dots have shaped his entrepreneurial journey in unexpected ways. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to resigning just two weeks after a pay rise, every decision led him toward building one of the region’s most recognised media companies.
 
In this episode of NOTG, hosted by Melvin Lim, Johnathan reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career—the realisations, the challenges, and a tough but invaluable lesson learned from a $4,000 business pitch failure. But beyond business, he delves into personal growth—the shift from being direct and assertive to becoming a more mindful and rational leader.
 
He reveals an unconventional business idea inspired by a trip to Australia, reimagining what retirement homes could look like. Plus, his take on hiring friends, why he prioritises value over cost-cutting, and the advice he would give aspiring entrepreneurs. Every experience leads somewhere. Tune in to hear how Johnathan’s journey might help you make sense of the dots in yours.
 
00:00 Intro01:04 Family business and entrepreneurial background03:01 Discussion about parents running businesses04:15 Studying hospitality and business management05:12 Regrets and educational journey07:04 Getting married and financial considerations07:47 First jobs and early career experiences12:17 Needing a salary raise15:06 Asking for a raise and the emotional reaction from his mom18:38 Considering pharmaceutical sales and commercial diving for money20:38 Joining Vulcan Post and evolving into GRVTY Media24:33 The creation of "Real Talk" and challenges with monetization27:05 Differentiating GRVTY Media from other creative agencies30:51 Overthinking vs underthinking in business decision-making34:04 Managing talents and challenges of talent retention39:03 Lessons on business models and avoiding a race to the bottom42:06 Interest in solving retirement issues and future goals49:50 The "Last Resort"50:10 The emotional toll of being an entrepreneur53:51 Different personality types for different persons55:49 Firing people57:12 Quitting GRVTY Media59:58 Hiring friends and firing friends1:04:20 Finding the source of the problem in the company1:06:30 It's just a job1:07:26 Future plans, who is going to take over GRVTY Media1:09:51 Underdog fears1:11:20 First impression leads to connections1:11:48 Advice to entrepreneur1:13:03 Superpower to help at your work1:20:08 Closing thoughts1:20:20 Outtakes

#106 What No One Tells You About Co-Buying Property With a Friend

Buying your first property is a significant milestone, but what happens when you decide to do it with a friend? George , Jun Wei, and Yu Rong from PropertyLimBrothers talk about crucial decisions that Ryan, a 28-year-old earning $6,000 per month, must make as he plans to co-own a property. They break down why floor plan efficiency matters for long-term value, how to spot price differences within the same development, and how much Ryan can actually afford to borrow.
 
More importantly, they tackle the tough but necessary questions: What happens if one party wants to sell? Gets married? Loses their job? Can a legal agreement protect both owners? Plus, they reveal why 900+ sqft three-bedders are becoming hot investments, if Yishun could be the next big thing, and what to expect in the 2025 property market.
 
If you’re thinking about buying with a friend, be sure to watch this episode firs
 
00:00 Introduction00:41 Ryan’s Profile: 28 Years Old, $6,000 Income01:05 Young Homebuyers: Is Property Investment Possible?03:09 The Potential of 900+ Sqft 3-Bedroom Units05:14 Best Bus Interval and Capacity near a development07:05 Tips for Symphony Suites Homeowners10:06 Upcoming Transport Changes & Area Transformation13:02 Can Ryan Afford a Property? Loan Calculations15:58 Buying Property with Friends: Key Considerations18:46 Risks & Challenges in Co-Investing22:02 Financial Structuring: Agreements & Exit Strategies27:26 Why Solo Investing Might Be Better30:47 Handling Unexpected Income Growth & Market Timing36:07 Renting vs. Buying: Financial Implications40:26 2025 Market Predictions & Property Trends45:07 The Role of Old Money in Real Estate Investments50:03 Smart Investment Strategies55:01 Closing Words56:17 Outtakes

#105: The Property Bet That Could Make or Break Your Portfolio In Your 40s!

What if the home you choose today could either unlock financial freedom or become your biggest regret? Today on NOTG, George, Jun Wei, and Yu Rong dive into the high-stakes decision faced by personas Peter and Lucy, a couple earning $25,000 each, torn between a landed property or a high-quantum 4- or 5-bedder condo.
 
With a $4 million to $5 million loan on the table, the wrong move could mean stretching their finances too thin or missing out on future gains. Should they prioritise an own-stay home, an investment strategy, or a mix of both? Which option carries the biggest risks or the highest upside? The discussion digs into the real impact of stress test rates, explores landed home conditions, and breaks down how uneven income between partners can affect ownership structure.
 
Plus, why installing a lift in a landed home might be one of the smartest investments they can make. For those planning their next big property decision, this episode offers a data-driven perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of every dollar invested. Tune in now!
 
00:00 Introduction01:31 Today’s Topic: Real Estate Personas03:03 Peter & Lucy: High-Income Home Buyers' Dilemma04:09 Common Fears When Buying Property05:46 Financial Calculations & Loan Considerations08:04 Case Study: A Couple’s Real Estate Investment Strategy10:30 Leasehold Concerns & En Bloc Discussions14:10 Evaluating New Launch vs. Landed Property16:37 Landed Property Rental Yield Considerations19:05 Weighing Risk & Reward in Property Investment23:58 Peter & Lucy’s Property Investment Options30:12 Financial Strategy: Diversifying Real Estate Investments39:00 Understanding Property Classes (Landed, Condo, HDB)45:17 Property Selection Factors & Market Trends54:13 Next Episode...55:08 Outtakes

#104: Why Personal Branding is The Greatest Asset: Eric Feng’s Global Speaker Journey

‘People buy people first,’ says global speaker Eric Feng, who has built his reputation on this principle, going from being invisible to speaking in 38 countries and shaping the way experts brand themselves. Now writing his fourth book, he shares why public speaking, personal branding, and AI are shaping the future of business and influence.
 
In this episode of NOTG, Melvin Lim speaks with Eric about the marketing skill too many entrepreneurs ignore, how personal branding safeguards opportunities, and why AI will either propel businesses forward or leave them behind. He also reflects on how his life-changing experience with Brugada Syndrome led him to rethink success. From navigating the experimental years of your 20s to turning passions into professional impact, Eric offers insights that shift perspectives and challenge the status quo.
 
Tune in for a session that speaks to every stage of the journey. If you’re seeking direction in your career, business, and legacy, don’t miss this one. It’s a powerful conversation that will challenge perspectives and redefine how we approach business, branding, and life.

#103: 3 Home Options for Single Professionals - Watch Before You Buy!

Buying a home as a single professional can be a tough decision—HDB resale, 2-room BTO, or a 1-bed condo—the options are vast! In today’s NOTG episode, Yu Rong, Jesley, and Jun Wei talk about the key factors every single homebuyer should consider, from affordability to flexibility and long-term investment potential.
 
They break down the pros and cons of each option, including the 5-year MOP commitment of an HDB resale, the budget-friendly yet lengthy wait for a 2-room BTO, and the flexibility of a 1-bed condo, which also comes with its own set of challenges. Beyond just the numbers, this episode also tackles the realities of living alone, the independence it brings, and how to make a future-proofed decision when choosing the right home. Plus, get exclusive insights into 2025 market predictions and the best areas for singles looking to invest in property.
 
If you’re planning your next move as a single who has just hit the tender age of 35, don’t miss this advice on home-buying!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro00:51 Charmaine persona preview (Single professional)03:00 Options16:50 Looking at 1-Bedder units20:20 Finding the right unit23:30 Lee Jun Wei's free tip28:28 2025 Predictions35:00 Closing thoughts42:41 Outtakes

#102: HDB Upgrading Explained: Fears, Financing and Property Value

Upgrading from an HDB flat to a condo may seem like a dream—but is it the right move for you? In this week’s episode of NOTG, Yu Rong, Jesley, and Jun Wei talk about the fears, finances, and opportunities surrounding Singapore’s most commonly considered first property upgrade.


 
Through the real-life case of John and Michel—a 33-year-old couple with a combined income of $14,000—they break down critical considerations like managing higher monthly instalments, understanding principal and interest payments, and leveraging dual-key units to offset mortgage costs. They also examine whether splitting their purchase into two smaller properties could yield better returns while addressing concerns about shrinking condo sizes and the effects of HDB cooling measures on property appreciation.



Curious about navigating government policies, balancing affordability with space, or exploring creative financing strategies? Watch on to uncover actionable strategies for building wealth and managing risks in Singapore real estate.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro00:51 Charmaine persona preview (Single professional)03:00 Options16:50 Looking at 1-Bedder units20:20 Finding the right unit23:30 Lee Jun Wei's free tip28:28 2025 Predictions35:00 Closing thoughts42:41 Outtakes

#101: The $20K Investment That Slashes Energy Bills and Saves You Thousands!

What does it take to build a thriving solar energy business in a country where scepticism still exists? Today on NOTG, Grayce from PropertyLimBrothers sits down with Satish Prasath, Founder and Director of PMCE, to share his lesson-filled journey of starting a solar panel company in Singapore from scratch. 
 
From navigating misconceptions about solar panels to handling client-employee dynamics, Satish shares the lessons that have shaped him and his business. He reveals how focusing on character over technical skills has grown his team, why tangible proof like reduced electricity bills is key to winning over clients, and how one happy customer can lead to ten more. 
 
Curious about the costs, benefits, and ROI of solar panels? Wondering how REC (Renewable Energy Certificate) works or what happens if you sell your home before achieving ROI? Satish breaks it all down, offering practical advice for homeowners and business owners alike. Plus, he reflects on his toughest decisions, the importance of simplicity in running a business, and how his mother’s wisdom set him on the path to success. Don’t miss this episode and be inspired to start owning your energy today!
 
Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:05 Usual operation issues running a solar power business05:00 Background16:09 Winning the trust of customers18:32 PMCE Team26:05 Is it worth it to install solar panels?35:20 Selling a home with solar panels36:25 Solar panels longevity38:15 Maintenance39:15 Solar Panel app40:40 Total clients42:25 Installation process48:00 Solar panel roof criteria49:50 Other services53:45 Customer relationship54:30 Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs55:35 Learning lessons from previous projects58:50 One trait that guarantees success in running a business1:00:50 Closing thoughts1:01:55 Outtakes