Episodes

What does it really take to build long-lasting wealth, become financially free, and lead a fulfilling life? On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jay Bass, Vice President of Finance at Rise Family Office, to break down the principles of strategic investing, building authentic relationships, and developing a growth-focused mindset. Jay shares how anyone—whether you're an entrepreneur, professional athlete, or just starting out—can build a blueprint for financia...

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Bill Pasha, a media and marketing legend with over 40 years of experience leading companies, building brands, and shaping stories. From the golden era of Top 40 radio to today’s algorithm-driven digital world, Bill takes us on a journey through the evolution of media, the rise of influencers, and the timeless value of relationships and authenticity. Whether you're in marketing, entertainment, or just trying to underst...

In this high-impact episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Connor Scribner, Co-Founder and President of Trinity Valley Plumbing, to uncover how a former competitor turned close ally used 15+ years of construction experience to redefine the trades through clear communication, elite execution, and fearless leadership. From managing labor costs and language barriers to building a culture that retains top talent in a labor-short industry, Connor shares hard-earned les...

In this inspiring episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Rene Salinas, a dynamic leader whose journey from earning his real estate license at 18 to becoming a senior program manager working with NASA is packed with lessons in grit, networking, and personal growth. Rene reveals how leveraging relationships, taking calculated risks, and embracing lifelong learning have shaped his career across real estate, IT, AV integration, and beyond. From historic home restoration to...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Bill Escanlar, a true Dallas icon with over 35 years of service industry experience. From the bustling bars of Dallas to life lessons that transcend the counter, Bill shares the wisdom, humor, and hard-earned truths that have defined his journey. Bill reveals how the service industry shapes character, teaches empathy, and builds lifelong connections. From unforgettable encounters with sports le...

In this power-packed episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jon Sansone, the legendary cold-call warrior with over 34 years in sales, bestselling author of Sales Warrior, and a true testament to grit, resilience, and reinvention. From being $24K in debt and unemployed, battling depression in a small apartment, to becoming financially independent, Jon’s comeback story is one that every aspiring professional and seasoned sales rep needs to hear. With a degree in Advertis...

On this powerhouse episode of Common Cents The Podcast , Garrett Reed sits down with Jason Nemes , the electrifying entrepreneur, bestselling author of The Code of Behavior , TEDx speaker, and founder of Summit Roofing & Construction . From surviving a heart attack on Easter Sunday 2021 to becoming a high-performance leader with 6% body fat and a supercar in the garage , Jason’s story is proof that discipline, authenticity, and mindset can rewrite your life script—no matter where y...

In this powerful episode of Common Cents The Podcast , Garrett Reed sits down with Super Bowl Champion and NFL veteran John Brandes , who now serves as VP of Customer Engagement for Maintenance Supply Solutions . From lining up as a tight end for the Washington Redskins to building winning teams in the multifamily industry, John shares the playbook for resilient leadership, meaningful mentorship, and personal growth . With stories from Coach Joe Gibbs’ Bible studies at training camp to ...

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast , Garrett Reed sits down with Nathan Melnick , founder of HVAC Rental and the man behind one of the most impressive relationship-driven growth stories in the HVAC rental industry. From launching his company as a one-man operation to expanding to 12 offices nationwide , Nathan proves that authenticity, mentorship, and customer-first thinking aren’t just good values—they’re smart business. Nathan unpacks how a quick-response culture, personal co...

In this power-packed episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with James Giddens, a 31-year veteran of Sherwin Williams and a true pillar in the multifamily construction industry. From his Texas roots to becoming a trusted leader in sales and mentorship, James shares lessons on what really moves the needle in multifamily: relationships, reputation, and results. This episode dives deep into how "friends buy from friends" is more than a catchphrase—it’s a guiding philosophy. Wh...

In this deeply inspiring episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Naz Thomas, a Life Time Fitness personal trainer, former competitive bodybuilder, and stage 4 cancer warrior, for a raw and powerful conversation on health, hustle, and healing. Naz's journey takes us from his early days as an engineering student to dominating the bodybuilding stage and ultimately transforming lives as a trainer. But his greatest transformation came after a shocking diagnosis—stage 4 metas...

In this milestone 100th episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with powerhouse leader and three-time bestselling author Brenda Neckvatal—a woman known for helping the strongest leaders deal with the messiest people. With 30 years of experience in HR, leadership development, and crisis management, Brenda has trained over 1,000 leaders and worked with 700+ companies to transform toxic dynamics and build resilient, high-performance teams. From her beginnings in Fortune 500 com...

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Jimmy McClung, the Maintenance Support Supervisor at Luma Residential, a CAMT-certified instructor, and 2024’s Fort Worth Apartment Association Member of the Year. From humble beginnings on a dairy farm to becoming one of the most respected leaders and mentors in the multifamily industry, Jimmy shares his remarkable story of resilience, transformation, and service. With 27 years in agricult...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Lane Bauer, owner of L.A. Bauer, LLC Real Estate & Renovation and co-founder (with his wife) of The Local Creamery. From high-end remodeling and real estate deals to scooping handcrafted ice cream in two thriving Texas shops, Lane’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary. After facing bankruptcy in 2008, Lane rebounded with grit, faith, and relentless hustle—proving that rock bottom can be ...

Will Harris is back for round two on Common Cents The Podcast! Garrett Reed sits down with the founder of Hustle Marketing & Design and The Hustle Foundation to talk about entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, community impact, and the mindset it takes to build a brand that lasts. From creative campaigns and AI in marketing to lessons in resilience and giving back, Will shares his journey, his wins, and the tough lessons that have shaped his career. If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or look...

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Chef Kenny Bowers, a 35-year restaurant industry veteran, entrepreneur, artist, and philanthropist. Kenny shares invaluable insights into the restaurant business, from customer experience strategies to financial survival tips, and how mentorship shaped his journey. He also opens up about his unexpected pivot into painting, how it became a creative outlet during the pandemic, and his incredible commitment to St. Jude Childre...

On this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Biz for an insightful conversation on mastering success, managing business relationships, and staying disciplined in personal and professional growth. They break down the importance of mentorship, effective communication, and personal branding, as well as key strategies for maximizing productivity. From navigating client expectations to defining success by the impact you leave behind, this episode is packed with actionable ...

In this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Biz for an insightful discussion on the art of podcasting, audience building, and the importance of fostering genuine connections. They break down what it takes to secure guests, create engaging content, and grow a dedicated community without chasing trends. The duo also reflects on Kendrick Lamar’s controversial Super Bowl performance, social media’s role in shaping narratives, and the challenges of balancing creativity wi...

In this powerful episode ofCommon Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Anthony Yeung, a seasoned real estate investor, former tech professional, and chair of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas' Independent Rental Owners (IRO) Committee. Anthony shares his transition from the tech world to real estate investing, emphasizing how 80% of success is mindset and only 20% is mechanics. He breaks down the importance of mentorship, passive income strategies, and balancing financial amb...

In this engaging episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Nick Scheib, a former PGA Tour professional, caddy, and accomplished golf coach at Pure Swing Golf (PSG). Nick dives deep into the art of mastering golf, sharing how starting with the right habits, building mental resilience, and embracing consistent improvement can transform your game. With anecdotes from his career, insights into the role of technology in coaching, and practical tips for players at all levels, Ni...

In this inspiring episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Josh Straussberger to explore the principles of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, and how they have shaped his approach to leadership and personal growth. Josh shares his journey of building genuine relationships with elite leaders, fostering intentionality and humility in networking, and balancing work-life commitments. From actionable strategies for team building to insights on faith and entrepr...

In this dynamic episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Jason Bourgeois to uncover his inspiring journey from military service to business coaching and entrepreneurial success. Jason shares his secrets for building a personal brand, cultivating meaningful connections, and scaling businesses while staying true to core values. With insights on focus, authenticity, and crisis management, this conversation offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs and professionals looking ...

In his third appearance on Common Cents The Podcast, Alex Shaw, fitness expert and President of the Plano Whiskey Society, shares a wealth of insights on health, fitness, and the ever-evolving bourbon industry. Garrett Reed and Alex explore the challenges of moderation in whiskey appreciation, the psychology behind diet and weight loss, and actionable strategies for building sustainable fitness habits. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or someone looking to improve your health, Alex delivers p...

In this episode of Common Cents The Podcast, Garrett Reed sits down with Austin Berry to explore his journey from El Paso to becoming a skilled estimator in the construction industry. Austin shares the challenges and triumphs of mastering the estimator role, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and personal growth. With a mix of practical insights and lighthearted anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of professiona...