The Bold Move: How Jon Jasniak Bought an Entire Town in Texas

From Engineer to Entrepreneur: The Journey of Jon Jasniak

When Jon Jasniak left a secure $200,000 engineering position to pursue land investing full-time, few anticipated the dramatic turn his life—and the fate of an entire town—would take. With a unique blend of courage, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jon transformed his life from corporate comfort to owning a town in West Texas, becoming a beacon for aspiring land investors everywhere.

How It All Began: Discovering the Land Business

Jon’s journey into real estate didn’t follow a typical path. Initially frustrated at the corporate ladder's limitations, he turned his attention to land investing in 2016 after listening to a transformative podcast. Armed with enthusiasm, he dived headfirst into acquiring properties, ultimately finding success through innovative strategies like seller financing and property subdivision.

His early ventures showcased his entrepreneurial prowess, such as his first land deal—purchasing a 53-acre tract for just $8,500 and selling it for a substantial profit just months later. This initial success affirmed that he was on the right track and set him on a journey toward building an impressive land empire valued at over $13 million.

The Power of Social Media and Innovative Marketing

In today’s digital age, leveraging social media has become vital for entrepreneurs like Jon. Utilizing platforms such as Facebook Marketplace for advertising, he strategically sells his properties while engaging a thoughtful audience. In 2025 alone, he invested an impressive six-figure sum in Facebook ads, showcasing how targeted marketing can drive results.

“I’ve learned that the cost per lead is critical,” Jon noted during a recent interview. “If I see a cost per lead under $10, I know I’m onto something big!” Such insights underline the importance of having analytical approaches in marketing while understanding market dynamics.

Why Buy a Town? Unpacking the Decision to Acquire Cornutis

Amidst his real estate ventures, Jon's extraordinary decision to purchase the unincorporated town of Cornutis, Texas was rooted in both personal branding and strategic business aspirations. “I thought, what better way to draw attention than owning a town?” Jon explained, emphasizing how this acquisition is more than just real estate—it's a statement.

The town, with its historic café and motel, now becomes a platform for Jon to amplify his brand, hosting events and attracting visitors. Despite the hurdles associated with the town's renovation and ups and downs along the way, he remains committed to turning it into a sustainable business model that also serves greater networking and community engagement objectives.

The Ups and Downs: Navigating Challenges in Land Investing

While Jon has enjoyed immense success, he openly acknowledges the risks inherent in managing large-scale subdivisions and seller financing. With default rates that can reach up to 30% for certain deals, understanding market fundamentals and taking calculated risks is crucial for survival in this industry.

“Experiencing defaults is part of the game,” he admits. “What matters is managing how you address such situations effectively, knowing you can repossess and resell land quickly to mitigate losses.” With strong strategic foresight, he balances risks while educating newcomers about the complexities of the land business.

Vision for the Future: Scaling Up the Land Business

Looking forward, Jon Jasniak's ambitions are enormous. He aims to grow his land business to a staggering $100 million through refined processes and market acumen. According to Jon, “It’s not about merely flipping land anymore. It's about understanding your numbers, scaling effectively, and creating sustainable models in your business that operate seamlessly.”

This vision demonstrates his commitment to evolving beyond a standard investment strategy and positions his brand as a leader in setting benchmarks for profitability and effective land use.

Takeaways for Aspiring Land Investors

For those inspired by Jon's story and interested in entering the land investing market, his lessons are clear: treat the business as a full-blown operation, invest in learning, and leverage all tools at your disposal to build relationships. As Jon asserts, “Real estate is a people business, and you need to network continually to uncover opportunities.”

In an industry that is constantly changing, these insights provide a valuable roadmap for success in real estate investing—reminding us that with commitment, creativity, and the right strategy, even the improbable can become possible.