Why I left Lifeafar

[@Wanderlust]

One of your early videos convinced me to go to Medellin and later I stayed at some point in a Lifeafar-managed apartment. All the best on your journey!

[@mauriciojaimes3317]

Sam, having the courage to do this video says the kind of person you are. Many things had happened since we contacted back in 2010, but I think we still share quite similar ideals. Keep being authentic.

[@elchimpo5505]

You inspired confidence in visiting Colombia, a country that continues to have a ridiculous reputation as a narco state. On the contrary, Colombia is a beautiful country with wonderful people. I look forward to your future.

[@anapilarshaw2823]

Sam, your integrity has always been evident to me through your videos. I appreciate your generous and expansive intentions for Colombia and all who seek to participate in that vision. Looking forward to the abundant and prosperous future we are all creating for the planet.

[@elizabethtoyer7232]

Good luck in your new adventure and keep up your great work. Never give up. I'll miss your videos. They all great showing us what a beautiful country Colombia is. I hope you continue making them. I've been following you since you started and I've been missing your great work and adventures. Wish you the best and looking forward on seeing your new work.

[@SamMillerLife]

The video adventures shall continue into broader realms!

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

Sam, I'm a Colombian in Japan. I came here in 2018 and being here I found your videos. Sadly I realized that even though I spent 25 years of my life there I didn't travel there as I should had done... I stayed studying and working and got to see the sea by myself when I was 22 with my sister who loves traveling (I'm the boring sister haha), because I thought it was dangerous and unworthy to go around my own country (yes, I was totally wrong )... Being in a capsule, I got a scholarship and came here, and watching your videos I really regret my lifestyle of giving more importance to keep working... I was eager to go back to see all the beautiful landscapes that you've shown us but then covid appeared, and after I got my diploma the borders there were closed and I had to remain here... Working 😅... However, I traveled here during my master's and it was a nice experience which I miss indeed due to the covid measurements... My father also died (covid) and I couldn't go to Colombia..... So, I've understood how happy I was there, how many experiences I lost etc. However, they're now on my list of things that I want to do when I can see finally the green Sabana de Bogotá from the airplane's window... I appreciate from the deep of my heart the message of your videos, the passion of your work, and the places that you've shown to so much people all over the world in a country which has suffered the misconception of even it's own inhabitants... Your work is amazing and I respect you absolutely and wish for you success in whatever goal you have. Un abrazo!

[@kryspetik]

Wow! Me sentí identificada con tus palabras. También perdí a un ser querido por causa del covid y estando lejos; pero sin importar dónde esté, siempre anhelo regresar. Colombia tiene una magia especial, que no encuentro en otro lugar. Por cierto Sam, entiendo un pelín de inglés, pero con los subtítulos en español el msg me llega al 💓 . Jejeje... Éxitos!!!

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

@@kryspetik un abrazo hasta donde estés!! 😊

[@magafecita]

As a Colombian repat in the US, I thank you for educating me about my country of origin and inspiring me to have hope in Colombia. I look forward to continuing following your insights and my own journey to possibly going back to live in such a beautiful and wonderful country. I am with you about preferring the thrill and adventure of working outside vs. an office.

[@RESET1776]

It truly hurts when relationships & dreams get squashed! Sorry hearing that you’ve been dealing with that type of pressure lately & hope you can shake whatever weight remains fairly soon. Sometimes you need to rip the rear view mirror off the windshield so you’ve no choice but paying attention to what’s ahead. Years ago the most successful person I know gave a bit of knowledge that I’ve found solid as a rock. Most of the truly successful people you’ll meet usually have rooms full of failures so big that a single one would be viewed as life ending for most. The key is getting back up, not repeating the process while keeping it behind you where it belongs, and doing so only carrying the lessons learned.

[@SamMillerLife]

Awesome, yes. I do truly believe this is a greater thing in the long run. This video is certainly my attempt to do that by ripping of the rear view mirror. It was epic what we did but it´s time to learn from the failures and use it as a catapulting force to the future. Thanks Jimmy

[@BlancaGMKCLUM]

Hi Sam, well this is part of the growing process, something Better come for you, you are a beautiful person inside and outside, Integrity is your brand, and that is one of the key that will help your future to be amazing, good luck with your new project. Colombia love !!!!

[@Medellinmatchmaker]

Sorry to hear Sam. I appreciate the update and the clarity of how it all went down. Life is a learning experience. You are better off now and free to do as you please. Onward and Upward!!

[@SamMillerLife]

Appreciate it Jeff. We learn something better when we know we will also be teaching that thing. Creating these videos certainly amplifies these experiences. Up and to the right!!!

[@JohannesTvedt]

Sam! Thank you so much for being such an inspiring and Colombia representative person. It is people like you that inspires and show others how life can be lived and what you might have to do. I´ve been enjoying your videos since i found the channel for some years and i do hope that you will continue to make videos about Colombia and investments there. Go your own way now and grow your own real estate business and we catch up later on!

[@9810027]

Great video, talking about a difficult topic. I hope the investors in the various Colombia projects aren't totally screwed.

[@SamMillerLife]

The cashflows were interrupted for mismanagement during the transition and pandemic but they are all still owners of prime located cashflowing airbnb properties which many are performing better than pre-pandemic.

[@FoxWebSchool]

You do so much great work to build trust publicly - next time around keep ownership so you can make sure your values align through the rest of the business. Hope the next phase goes great Sam - I’m sure you’ll crush it.

[@SamMillerLife]

Cheers mate. Or perhaps retrain as a corporate lawyer and dedicate all my time representing people trying to battle and legally exploit clauses in contracts as I bake in my own ownership??? Nah... I think you´re onto it. Own outright and align throughout the business. Thanks man ;)

[@marsoups]

What an inspiration. I’m Australian and my wife is Colombian so I have a very close tie to this incredible country. I know a lot about the difficulties and suffering going on, COVID has really taken its toll on the world as well. So kudos for keeping what you are doing Sam, I really admire your courage. One time in Medellin I thought that I may have walked past you but it was quick and I wasn’t sure. Gracias por todos y te deseo la mejor de las suertes 🤞

[@SamMillerLife]

gracias mate! great things are on their way!

[@billbigd3644]

This Video probably should have been done at least 6 months ago don’t you think?

[@SamMillerLife]

Agreed. I shared what I could 6 months ago but the situation was still unfolding

[@dnkuch]

Awesome video Sam. I know we weren’t able to meet in person while I was in Colombia last year but it was great connecting with you by email. I’ve learned a lot from you for both business and for Colombia. Appreciate your authenticity and looking forward to what you’re doing next. Cheers buddy

[@fletcherwheaton]

The best is yet to come hermano. Keep the camera rolling!

[@SamMillerLife]

Thanks bro! Looking forward to rollin´!

[@bromptonlawyer5226]

Things like this happens all the time in the USA - be familiar with Contract Law it helps even internationally. Wish you success!

[@RaySmith79]

To my fellow 🇨🇦. Stay strong family. People take our kindness for weakness.

[@SamMillerLife]

You know it. I spend little energy worrying about people dedicating their time and skills under flurescent lights to exploit others thinking they are strong as they hide from the consequences of their actions. Congruence will sort what needs to be sorted. I´m excited how much of a catapult this experience is. We got it! Cheers mate!

[@texbluejeans]

Thank you Sam for all the great videos over the years and I am looking forward to seeing your work in the future.. Your very smart and very selective in your words and have a great passion for your work, i have followed you from the beginning and will continue. You are the reason I have made the move to Medellin… I am not a young man but have lived a great life, To see you go through what you have been through the last couple of years reminds me of myself. Partnerships are easy to get into but very hard on you when it’s over, but you will take the experience now and move on to even higher values and goals in life… I wish you the best and someday hope to have a cup of coffee with you…

[@letsreviewhouston]

Duuude. How did they let go the most important part in the puzzle??? Keeping the channel was an awesome move !! 👏🏻 THANKS for sharing. I will be following the link

[@SamMillerLife]

Thanks dude, I forgot to mention one of the biggest lessons from all this: EGO!

[@letsreviewhouston]

@@SamMillerLife solid tip Sam . Ego, the destroyer of kingdoms

[@mcluvin65]

What about audited financial statements, jajaja

[@Teton12355]

Sam...stick with your strengths and stay cheery. You'll be amazed at what the road ahead will present you with. Nice move with this video. Cheers!

[@SamMillerLife]

Cheers Steve, I know amazing things are coming but I did need to do this to fully embrace the future. Gracias parcero!

[@Teton12355]

Right-o Sam. It's important to wash the dishes before you use them again.

[@Teton12355]

Simple really, if you let it be.

[@bobboster9997]

What would you do differently in the beginning of LIfe afar if you knew this was going to happen. What do you recommend to future investors to make sure they do not get pushed out of the company they created.

[@SamMillerLife]

A lawyer and a CFO can do what they please with ownership. Get a lawyer and a financial guy in your corner. Accept the extreme risks of taking outside investor money that relinquishes control.

[@mike.snider]

Respect bro. Glad you kept the channel and looking to see where you take things from here 👊

[@rafaelguevara379]

Good luck, great that you kept the name, we will keep following you up.

[@rocioramirez979]

Sorry about your experience. I wish you many successes in your new project.

[@grahamlister5659]

Keep up the good work Sam and never look back😄

[@enrihol]

Sam los videos de algunos lugares emblemáticos de Colombia en lo personal fueron maravillosos, San cipriano, Cerro tusa, Barichara, las vistas de la fincas, por nombrar algunos porque fueron muchos, los conocimientos que compartiste sobre el Real state en Colombia y las oportunidades que diste a conocer suman para personas que queremos encontrar nuevas alternativas o nuevas formas de hacer las cosas, gracias Sam, cuantas con un seguidor.

[@marthagallego8647]

Sam good morning. Thank you for the private reply. Please let me know how to contact you. We live in Medellin. Gracias.

[@SamMillerLife]

An email: Sam (at symbol) SamMiller (dot) life

[@williamtruesdale2665]

Thanks for clearing this up been following you 4 yrs

[@SamMillerLife]

I appreciate that

[@josephwilmoth3295]

Thank You Sam, as a Former Lifeafar Investor, I appreciate you stepping up.

[@SamMillerLife]

And thank you for stepping up as an investor, it has taken a strong will and clear vision to navigate these bumps but I am confident great things are forming.

[@mcluvin65]

Part of the reason I got interested in Colombia was your videos and Rich Holman, and then suddenly it disappeared and everyone was left wondering.

[@SamMillerLife]

Yes, I couldn´t speak before as the situation was still unfolding but it´s at a point where I can begin to reflect forwards.

[@mcluvin65]

@@SamMillerLife well I thought you and Rich were a good team, I hope that relationship was not lost.

[@petergough5735]

Hi Sam. I'm coming down for three weeks on Wednesday. Hope to get together whilst there. I'm at the San Fernando Plaza in Poblado..

[@CurtisMoe]

I hope this is true. I was living and networking in PR during covid and the stories I heard from Lifeafar investors was quite unsavory.

[@myriamperez4285]

No se ingles pero se k hablas bien de mi pais amiguito bendiciones un abrazo desde Fusagasugá te sdmiro mucho 😘🤗🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴

[@SamMillerLife]

ya vamos a aprender vocabulario espanglish digital

[@adalbertogranados4749]

Nunca es tarde para regresar....hagalo pronto...mi admiracion para usted

[@jeffreyfell4418]

Nice way to turn the page hermano...well done

[@SamMillerLife]

Turns are for maximising! Gracias hermano

[@inolvidable.]

My God help you grow even faster than before.

[@xavierrivera201]

We make losses into lessons. Keep it up.

[@SamMillerLife]

The sheer scale of ´losing´ 8 years invested into that business only increases the contrast of the epicness to come ;)

[@purevnanzad614]

@@SamMillerLife Thanks for shaeing with your hardship... There's is saying the failure helps a person to grow mentally and spiritually! With no failure no lessons learned. So as you always say embrace your fear and specially failure. You're a very capable smart young men. Life is full of surprises! Lets move forward man 🙏

[@kellykelly6101]

Good Luck in your new adventure Sam

[@SamMillerLife]

Thanks Kelly!

[@rinzler7578]

Do you have a discord server? If not I would definitely recommend you create one!!

[@SamMillerLife]

Telegram for now. Why discord?

[@marlenroa8054]

La experiencia ganada, los momentos hermosos, especiales y únicos son los que se quedan por siempre en nuestra vida. Gracias Sam por enseñarnos que los límites no existen cuando queremos lograr nuestros objetivos y que los sueños se hacen realidad. Gracias por tus aventuras por Colombia fueron increíbles nos mostraste un país hermoso, potencial y sobretodo diste a conocer la calidez, empuje y sencillez de los colombianos. Un gran abrazo 🤗 de una bogotana que disfruto de cada video tuyo. Buena suerte y mil bendiciones 😘

[@SamMillerLife]

Muuuuchas gracias Marlen! Esa parte me disfruto demasiado. Fuimos en aventuras al desconocido y crecimos todos juntos. No te preocupes, voy lanzando una proxima aventura que nos va a llevar a nuevos lugares y proximos niveles aun no hemos imaginado. Con el tiempo mis palabras tendrian mas sentido :) Gracias por tus lindas palabras y apoyo! Gracias parcera! Buena suerte en tu camino!

[@marlenroa8054]

@@SamMillerLife Un gran abrazo Sam 🤗 esperaré tus próximos videos y gracias por tus palabras.

[@mariaalexander427]

When one door closes a window opens! I'm ready for OUR next adventure & thank YOU Sam for bringing us along for the ride! Keep your head up Parce & let's do this! 🇨🇴👊🏼😘

[@nena6661]

Ok!! You are the man!!! So you will be fine!!! Better than fine!!!

[@karenmolina3202]

Sam qué pasó no me digas que te vas del país por qué eso me entristece eres un gran ser humano y te admiro mucho un abrazo

[@SamMillerLife]

Hola Karen, para nada! Ya voy lanzando el proximo etapa, con vision redefinido del independencia y liberacion que muchos de nosotros buscamos.

[@crazydemon3890]

It's sad cause Medellin it's a good place

[@jackospina8947]

That’s what happens when you get a bunch rookies in real estate. Customer service and accountability is #1 always.

[@coldude2559]

There is always something going on in Colombia...most of the times is something not quite right...that's why I got the hell out of there!

[@Jack51971]

?

[@latinreuben]

Venturing into countries where even judges & lawyers & police can be easily bought is not for those who want a stable living. Been dealing with that corruption for decades so I can attest to cultures in South America that call it normal to cut corners, take bribes, etc. It's safer to be a digital nomad from foreign companies and buy your own property in South America.

[@latinreuben]

@@Titanium-cm1kh Do ur research. Sam replied to an investor that commented on shady business practices that caused many to lose their investments...Commenting that Colombia is not Mexico to be corrupt is the most ignorant thing u can write. All the protest in Colombia is bc of corruption. Corruption, greed, bad practices go hand in hand.

[@FreddyPoveda]

I follow your channel for a while. I think at the core of your issues is the fact that Colombia real estate is grossly overpriced, so if you start by overpaying for a project it is very hard to generate cash flow even with Airbnb rentals.

[@SamMillerLife]

It is an extremely tough game adding value in Colombian real estate. Typical unfurnished rentals generate 2-5% net roi for the investor and the administrating agent takes a 14% commission for collecting the rent. A furnished rental can get 5-12% net ROI but requires 24/7 guest and property management, an average of 8 check-in/check-out/cleanings etc. all for a administration commission of 15-20% of the rent. We did 10X the amount of work for 2X the amount of returns for the investor. It´s a very tough game to do in Colombia and why I think our lackings in the property management department became the most heavy consequentially for the business.

[@thedude1440]

Colombia, especially Medellin, is overrated. Talk to the older people there. They will tell you of the cityscape before the thousands of brown apartment buildings arrived. The old charm is gone

[@jeffcorporon8]

Sounds like the lawyers made out well and that is always a tragedy. Lol.

[@SamMillerLife]

As they say, the closer to the sale the more you make out.

[@arainadiaz9219]

Sorry it became a hassle.